Ordering my first ball python!

[ash0587]

So after waffling on buying a normal several times, I was just skimming through fauna classifieds and found a spider that I LOVED but the guy wouldn't email or text me back, so I was skimming kingsnake and found another one within my price range and I'm sending payment on him in just a little bit. The only thing I worry about is he's a bit fiesty according to the seller and this will be my first BP so how can I work on getting him used to being handled without getting bit? I know to leave him alone for the first week and to start slow after that, but how do you guys recommend picking him up without completely violating him? I'll post pics soon, and thanks for any suggestions!

[Skittles1101]

So after waffling on buying a normal several times, I was just skimming through fauna classifieds and found a spider that I LOVED but the guy wouldn't email or text me back, so I was skimming kingsnake and found another one within my price range and I'm sending payment on him in just a little bit. The only thing I worry about is he's a bit fiesty according to the seller and this will be my first BP so how can I work on getting him used to being handled without getting bit? I know to leave him alone for the first week and to start slow after that, but how do you guys recommend picking him up without completely violating him? I'll post pics soon, and thanks for any suggestions!

I think you're off to the right start. First of all congrats on getting your first ball! My female spider is one of my favorite pets Like you said, as long as your husbandry is correct, leave him alone for a week. Once he eats for you, give him two days to hide and digest, and then start handling for short periods of time. My male orange ghost is so mean, I started handling maybe 5 minutes every other day and worked my way up. You'll be able to tell when he starts getting used to you. I think he'll turn out just fine

[TheWinWizard]

You can always cover him with a towel then pick him up.

[mattchibi]

I think you're off to the right start. First of all congrats on getting your first ball! My female spider is one of my favorite pets Like you said, as long as your husbandry is correct, leave him alone for a week. Once he eats for you, give him two days to hide and digest, and then start handling for short periods of time. My male orange ghost is so mean, I started handling maybe 5 minutes every other day and worked my way up. You'll be able to tell when he starts getting used to you. I think he'll turn out just fine

x2 Leave him alone for a week, then your first priority should be to get him feeding regularly. Keep handling to a minimum until he has eaten for you. Then like Lgray said, take him out for very short handling sessions on the days that he is not digesting food. Baby ball python bites I have heard are just nips so nothing to be too scared about. It's best to "tame" him when he is younger rather than let his attitude develop even more as he gets older.

Here is a video on how to handle aggressive hatchlings from one of the top breeders in the US:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk

If you want to know more about ball pythons, the care sheet on this website is extremely helpful. Most of Jkobylka's videos are very helpful as well, and if not, they are just darn entertaining Best of luck !

[ash0587]

x2 Leave him alone for a week, then your first priority should be to get him feeding regularly. Keep handling to a minimum until he has eaten for you. Then like Lgray said, take him out for very short handling sessions on the days that he is not digesting food. Baby ball python bites I have heard are just nips so nothing to be too scared about. It's best to "tame" him when he is younger rather than let his attitude develop even more as he gets older.

Here is a video on how to handle aggressive hatchlings from one of the top breeders in the US:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7DQssbM0uk

If you want to know more about ball pythons, the care sheet on this website is extremely helpful. Most of Jkobylka's videos are very helpful as well, and if not, they are just darn entertaining Best of luck !

Thanks so much! I never would've thought to go to youtube for handling tips!