Need help with mean ball python

[Egapal]

When she isn't in her tub she is still very defensive, but has not struck. When I have held her on my lap she moves very slowly and very cautiously. But, as I stated I have handled her very little as I am just trying to give her time to adjust. I do realize she is young and babies can be defensive as I have ball pythons ranging from hatchlings to full grown. However, this is not any behavior I have seen in any of my previous young BPs; this is on another level. If it was typical, I wouldn't be concerned.

Additionally, I would never expect a seller to guarantee temperament, I was just saying it would have been nice to know if she was doing this before I got her or if it is something in her current living situation that is causing the stress.

As far as temps go, I'm sure that isn't the problem as I have her on the same temps as my other 40 snakes and she is the only one with the issue.

As far as feeding goes, I feed my BPs meals that leave a very small lump. I have never been one to feed large meals. She is fed every 7 days.

I will try putting her in a smaller tote and see if that makes her more secure. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My friend got a BP that was really nippy when he got her. She struck at me twice on the ride home. I am happy to say that she is a very tame adult. The advice I gave my friend was to setup an enclosure in a quite place with good temps and humidity. Wait 4 or 5 days without interruption and then feed. Put her on a 5 day schedule. Don't bother her the day of feeding or the day after. The other 3 days of the schedule take her out regardless of whether either of you want to. You keep snakes, you might get bit. Buckle down and take her out every day for at least a few minutes and she will get acclimated and mellow out or one of you will die trying. Now obviously you know how to keep your snake. With 40 you know more than I. I would say just buckle down and get some one on one time every day you can till the snake settles down. As long as the snake is eating I wouldn't worry about a little hissing or a strike or two.