Can anyone tell me why my ball python is doing this?

[RaptorNinja]

I held it today, and after around 10 minutes or so, it kept trying to burrow its head into my body, or ito or under its coils. It was making the similar head movements to a cat marking its territory. Should I be concerned?

[Alexandra V]

That's fairly normal behavior. It's trying to find somewhere to hide and feel secure. My pastel orange ghost and yellowbelly will occasionally do this during handling too, just because they aren't as used to being handled as my big normal male is. It's just a matter of getting them used to it and most of them will stop.

[Crazy4Herps]

S/he is probably feeling insecure and is trying to find someplace to hide in your clothing. Hiding the head under the coils serves to protect the head from possible threats, similarly to balling up. It sounds like your snake is just nervous. Is s/he a new pet? If so, I would keep handling to 10 minutes a day or less for the first month or so, so s/he can get used to you gradually and with minimal fear.

[Skittles1101]

Sounds like he's searching for a dark, warm place to hide lol.

[RaptorNinja]

Okay. He is not really a new pet(My mom had him for a couple weeks waiting for me) but I just got him yesterday. I handled him twice yesterday, and he didn't do that. I put him back in his tank because I thought maybe he felt nervous and was looking to hide.

[West Coast Jungle]

Ball Pythons spend most of there lives in burrows in the ground and mostly come out at night. It is quite normal for them to feel insecure when out in the open.

[Crazy4Herps]

Okay. He is not really a new pet(My mom had him for a couple weeks waiting for me) but I just got him yesterday. I handled him twice yesterday, and he didn't do that. I put him back in his tank because I thought maybe he felt nervous and was looking to hide.

Then I'm sure this is caused by an accumulation of stress between yesterday and today. It is really recommended that you start out handling slowly. Since he still seems nervous, it would be in his best interest if you gave him a week without handling (also, it's usually a good idea to wait to handle until after his first meal so that you can be sure he eats). Then start out by handling him for only a few minutes every day, and gradually work your way up to longer handling periods.

[RaptorNinja]

Then I'm sure this is caused by an accumulation of stress between yesterday and today. It is really recommended that you start out handling slowly. Since he still seems nervous, it would be in his best interest if you gave him a week without handling (also, it's usually a good idea to wait to handle until after his first meal so that you can be sure he eats). Then start out by handling him for only a few minutes every day, and gradually work your way up to longer handling periods.

He does eat okay, but according to my mother he hasn't eaten in 10 days. She tried to feed him a few days ago, but he must not have been hungry. But if it is stress due to over handling, then I'll leave him alone for awhile. Thats gonna be tough! lol

[Crazy4Herps]

He does eat okay, but according to my mother he hasn't eaten in 10 days. She tried to feed him a few days ago, but he must not have been hungry. But if it is stress due to over handling, then I'll leave him alone for awhile. Thats gonna be tough! lol

Well that's good he's eating. Sometimes the first feedings can be a struggle for new ball pythons. I wouldn't worry about a skipped meal, and 10 days isn't very long to go without food.
Lol I totally know how you feel! But handling sessions will probably go much better and you will bond more quickly if he is allowed some time to himself first.