Aggressive Blue Eyed Leucisitic Ball Python

[Tannerrrtx]

Yeahhhh. I'm definitely not going to tell you to tap her head lol. That'll get you tagged quick, snake hooks also do wonders. Once she's up she most likely won't strike. I haven't been struck at using a hook... Well. Ever.

[Archimedes]

My boy still has his tempermental moments at about 9 months of age. If gently stroking his back doesn't bring his guard down, I either use a hook or leave him alone, depending on how urgently I need him out. A little more chill-time wouldn't hurt her, plus blacking out three sides of her viv as mentioned above. Just sounds like a fiesty one to me, best of luck with her!

[Luciferskeeper]

Only spot clean as needed, change water, and keep eye on temps and humidity for the next week with no other disturbance. Also id do my best to make that big enclosure as secure feeling for her as possible. Shes probably just really nervous from her move and also the considerably larger enclosure. She will be fine just let her get comfy in her new place.

[Kaorte]

A snake hook for a 200g ball python? come on guys, man up! Its just a ball python. The snake will not be seriously injured if it bites you, and you surely will not be injured either.

Be confident. If you need to move the snake gently let it know you are there and then scoop it up. Getting tagged is just startling. It doesn't hurt at all.

She will calm down over time. Its only been a week. Give it some time, some tight fitting hides, and nice sized meals.

[steepe99]

Alright, thank you! I'm not worried of getting bit as skin does grow back. I already ordered new hides and will leave her alone for another week till she gets settled down!

[PiercingPrincess]

Let your new baby settle in for a while longer, but I'd suggest just keep trying to handle it. Yes, you may get bit but eventually they will realize you're not worth their time to be grumpy with. My Mojo was the same.. I couldn't even talk into the room without getting hissed at, let alone try to take her out. After about 6 months of working with her she's gotten so much better. good luck and don't give up! they usually grow out of it too.

[don15681]

never been bitten by a hatchling. but after a few feedings, many will go thru this striking stage. if you do nothing at all, 99% of them will still out grow it. if you want to pickup your snake. you can gently tap it on the head with something. then pick it up. if it's still striking at you when your holding it. you will learn how to stop it by how you hold it. most will calm down enough to stop but you will still see the tension. I would also recommend an under tank heater for a hot spot ran thru a thermostat. those lights are humidity killers. one good thing is you already took a bite. the fear should be over. just remember this is a stage most will out grow, even on their own.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Why do people keep saying tap the head? It's not a puppy..

I'd never do that. Especially if it were something like a Retic that does not forget or forgive actions like that. Reptiles are not mammals and do not learn in the same way.

Use a small hand towel to quickly cover the snakes head completely. Then very quickly scoop up the snake from behind and underneath. Usually they are fine once they are picked up. If it remains in strike position, just keep your hands under it and gently try to run your hands along its body from underneath to in coil it. Handle it so that it is forced to move and crawl along. It quickly figures out that you are no threat.

I agree that it was likely kept in a small tub. It's overwhelmed by the huge environment, new scents, new sights, etc.. It's terrified and probably thinks you are a threat.

I always say to never reach in going towards the front of a snakes face. Never reach in smelling like food either. As far as getting tagged, I'd rather be bitten by a young BP any day than a rat or any other mammal.

[ed4281]

I've had several like that as babies and they grow out of. I used to just wear plain leather gloves until they did.

[don15681]

Why do people keep saying tap the head? It's not a puppy..

I'd never do that. Especially if it were something like a Retic that does not forget or forgive actions like that. Reptiles are not mammals and do not learn in the same way.

Use a small hand towel to quickly cover the snakes head completely. Then very quickly scoop up the snake from behind and underneath. Usually they are fine once they are picked up. If it remains in strike position, just keep your hands under it and gently try to run your hands along its body from underneath to in coil it. Handle it so that it is forced to move and crawl along. It quickly figures out that you are no threat.

I agree that it was likely kept in a small tub. It's overwhelmed by the huge environment, new scents, new sights, etc.. It's terrified and probably thinks you are a threat.

I always say to never reach in going towards the front of a snakes face. Never reach in smelling like food either. As far as getting tagged, I'd rather be bitten by a young BP any day than a rat or any other mammal.

my hatchling rack is 6 qt. with as many snakes as I have, I don't have time to try and reach under a snake in a 6 qt tub. it's not going to work with that much room. lightly tapping it or putting something in front of it to prevent a strike is fine. better than one striking and bouncing it's face off of the tub. and with someone new to balls, the normal reaction when a snake bites you is to pull your hand back. which can lead to a young snake getting their teeth pulled out! and yes I know it's not a puppy. a light tap is a lot different than patting your dog to get it out of a striking mode.