timid ball

[hyena]

So i just took in a friends BP because she no longer had time to take care of it. I got her all set up (changed a couple things the old owner was doing) and she even ate the day after i got her. Shes quite young and seems very timid and jumpy. Since she just ate and is in a new environment Im going to give her plenty of time before i start to try and handle her. I was wonder whats the best way to start out handling a BP that is very shy and timid? Can i get her use to human contact over time?
thanks :]

[TKByrnes21783]

She will come around. Most are shy and timid. Give her a couple days to chill out then just start holding her. My son ( 8 years old ) somehow always manages to get a ball calmed down to the point you can pet their head. Dont know how he does it. Snake whisperer!! lol

[Eversolulu]

yeah just give it time, what I did with mine is that (aside from leaving them alone during post "eatage" and shed cycle), I'd pick mine up almost every day. I started off with juts 15 min sessions then would increase gradually. And how much time you increase is all up to your snake and how comfortable it's becoming. And you'll be able to tell when it gets more comfortable, it'll start exploring a little more instead of just balling up in your hand, etc. good luck!

[Rawbbeh]

My baby girl that I got Sunday already seems to be pretty calm. Last night I had her out while I was watching football and she explored around a bit and ended up nestling down on my tummy under a blanket for most of the game. I just slowly stroked her and I could see her staring/looking at me from under the blanket. She has really just taken the change of environments very easily. I figure today I'll see if I can get her to eat a rat pup.

[kitedemon]

Slow and easy is usually the best also pay very close attention to what the snake is doing. Tongue flicks and interest in what is going on and body tension will tell you when the animal is starting to become stressed no tongue flicks and a fully tense body is an good indicator of a stressed animal and time to go back.

[cmack91]

some take longer than others, but just start yours out slow, ive had mine for 5yrs and he's just now letting me touch his head

[hyena]

Slow and easy is usually the best also pay very close attention to what the snake is doing. Tongue flicks and interest in what is going on and body tension will tell you when the animal is starting to become stressed no tongue flicks and a fully tense body is an good indicator of a stressed animal and time to go back.

yea, she seems to tense up if i simply approach her enclosure, even if im moving as slow as can be.

[hyena]

any suggestions on how i should approach her initially?

[cmack91]

any suggestions on how i should approach her initially?

just go slow, and grab her by mid body, just stay away from her head, otherwise it can take longer for her to become comfortable with you, and sometimes what i do if mine wont uncurl himself after i pick him up, i'll cup him in my hands, kinda like your holding a frog, and the warmth and tight space from your hands should calm her down enough to uncurl after a few minutes

[hyena]

hm..i was able to handle her today..she seemed very calm, alert and interested. She didnt ball up at all..pleasant surprise :]