Nervous/shy young Ball Python

[ronster]

I visited Scotland a few years ago and LOVED it, by the way. My favorite of all of the countries I have been to, actually. You people are SO much more friendly than the English (at least Londoners). Just saying.

Anyway, sounds like you are off to a great start. I have had my girl for about 5 months and she can still be skittish when I first reach in to get her, but she calms down once out. As mentioned, the poor things, even as adults, are pretty much defenseless in their native environment. They aren't venomous and they aren't fast, and their bite is not really all that impressive. They don't stand much of a chance if discovered by a predator, and they know it! You are doing great, just gently take your snake out and let it explore you. They like to feel secure and hidden, so giving them something to hide in/under/around while with you can help. Mine will duck her head under my couch pillows and just stare at me for several minutes with her tongue flicking.

I have also found that mine is EXTREMELY head shy when she first comes out, but after a few minutes, once she starts exploring and realizes I don't plan to eat her, I can pet her head and she won't flinch at all.

Congrats on your new snake!

Many thanks Emily! I love Scotland too, I live in a place called Kilmarnock, it's about 6 miles away from the beach, I love the beach.

Thanks everyone for all the help and advice, this is a very helpful and friendly place indeed,

[dr del]

Many thanks Emily! I love Scotland too, I live in a place called Kilmarnock, it's about 6 miles away from the beach, I love the beach.

Thanks everyone for all the help and advice, this is a very helpful and friendly place indeed,

This is getting freaky - I was born and raised in Galston.

[SlitherinSisters]

Welcome to the site!

They tend to be pretty head for awhile. They get better the more you handle them and with age. Don't stress about it too much, they do get better!

[ronster]

This is getting freaky - I was born and raised in Galston.

blimey, thats close!

[dr del]

blimey, thats close!

It's ok - I moved to Edinburgh. Only get back to the old country about 5 times a year or so.

[Emily Hubbard]

You know, I have seen a lot of Scottish snake keepers on here if I think about it! Huh, wonder what makes you all so awesome. My fiancé is of Scottish heritage,so I have quite a soft spot for you all and your beautiful country.

Do you guys have very many native snakes? I know the European viper is the only venomous snake in the UK, and I know there are some water snakes and such. I just ask because I know my snake fascination was sparked when I caught gopher snakes, king snakes, garter snakes, all kinds of snakes in my back yard as a kid. And I'm in California, so the whole snake is literally crawling with rattlesnakes, so I was taught to be wary as a child. Terrified my mother because I think she was afraid I would just grab any snake I saw without making sure it wasn't a rattler. I was a tad smarter than that though. What sparked your interest in snakes? Same thing, or do you have a smaller variety of native species? Just curious!

[ronster]

Hi again Emily,

as far as I know we have grass snakes, adders and slow worms here in the UK. I myself have only been a snake owner for a whole month! there was a new reptile shop opened in my town, so popped in with my daughter to take a wee peak at what was on offer. He let my daughter hold a tortoise if she held a snake, and we kept pooping in every now and again. he was doing an offer or a corn snake and set up for £100, and i was tempted! BUT had by then seen the ball/royal python he had and had made my mind up to get one. after a lot of research and thinking, I bought one from the gumtree add service, and got the set up stuff buying from forums and online. I really want another soon, maybe a boa! I still pop into my local reptile shop, to get frozem nice, and the guy there is very helpfull indeed. I gave him a spare plastic tank I had bought with some bits, because I kinda felt bad not buying from him, he lets me see all the snakes in his collection and we have become mates!

sorry to bore you all, thats my snakey story!

[ronster]

This is getting freaky - I was born and raised in Galston.

well feel free to make me a brew and show me your collection next time I`m in Edinburgh!

[dr del]

Sounds like a plan.

Emily England also has the smooth snake.

I used to catch adders (the european viper ) for a farmer as a kid and even found a few grass snakes while doing so.

I started learning so I could find them easier and then got hooked when I realised just how amazing they were.

My first snake was a royal (she's still in the rack behind me )and they are still my favoiurite species.


dr del