Handling

[BallJohnny]

So i've gotten to the perfect area for my bp, he eats like a champ and what not. Now im just wondering about handling techniques. I've seen some hold there snake by the neck to show a certain area and what not. I guess what im asking is what are some ways you can handle your snake other then let him crawl on ya. Like if i wanted to check his head for anything, example build up in his heat vents.

[XXlizaXX]

I never grab my snakes behind the head. But my normal had stuck eye caps that I had to remove and I slowly walked my hands up his neck and gently got him behind the head, he was upset for a split second but relaxed.

Other than that I just hold them, let them wander around my living room or in the grass (though my pastel hates it so I don't put him down outside!) And I let them hang out draped over my shoulders!

Hope this helps!

[MrLang]

It's a good question. I see people check the little cleft under the chin when they go to buy a snake at an expo to see if any mites are stashed in there.

What's the proper way to wrangle the snake to accomplish that without getting bit or having it freak out?

[Andybill]

You dont need to hold the snake by the neck unless you are looking for something specific. Just pick it up with steady confident movements and keep a loose grip so they can move freely but not so that they might fall from your hand. I dont think they will really let themselves fall cuz they tend to hang on to you as well..... Golly this is hard to explain.... Maybe some pics would help! lol! Also for the first couple times I would suggest sitting down so if for some reason it does fall/you drop it it will land in your lap.... does that make sense?

[BallJohnny]

Thanks for the reply's and ya i dont plan to grab hold of a part but i do know if i try to look at his face he moves it in a different direction. And i've been looking into trying my hand at breeding and they mention how to remove a female from her eggs lol. Other than that im fine with just letting him crawl around.

[blushingball419]

A lot of snakes don't like their heads touched, but ball pythons especially tend to be pretty head shy. It's just their natural reaction to pull away from anything poking at their face. If you need to check out something near their head/neck, you can usually manipulate them around or gently hold them in place for a second or two. Slow movements are always the best when you're working around their face. It can be frustrating, but as with everything else with ball pythons, patience and persistence are virtues.

[SRMD]

ive had my baby ball for like 3 weeks now and he is great with me handling him, he always lets me touch his head never shys away, he only gets shy when i first open the cage...

i just lie down and put the snake on my stomach let him wonder up to my face and i just let him wrap around my wrist

[Poseidon]

For the first couple of times, I'd suggest you sit down with a table in front of you. The table surface should ideally be higher than your waist in the sitting position. If you start to freak out, you can still be holding their body but have them climbing on the table.

As to getting them out, touch them on the side then pick up from the fattest part of their body.

Don't underestimate your instinct. When you have the bp out, you just know which part to support or move.

For checking the head, you can hold their chin up with your finger. My bp doesn't seem to find that invasive.