handling???

[wait1]

hey yall need some tips on how to actually hold and handle the bp. im also in the air with some names. top runner is paul bython at the moment... anyways any major hints to begin holding and reading the snakes mood would go much appreciated
thanks -T

[steve_r34]

just pick it up and let it do its thing .. if its small make it feel secure when u pick it up i.e don't let it dangle

[wait1]

how likely is it that it would snap at me?

[steve_r34]

if u own any snakes in life eventually they will strike at u so i cant say it will be snappy or not .. but the more u handle it the more it will get used to it .. if its a baby and strikes u , u wont even feel it and it wont even draw blood

[shadowsnakes]

if u own any snakes in life eventually they will strike at u

Please don't read this and think it applies to all snakes or all situations, because it certainly doesn't. Ball pythons are one of the most timid and docile snakes you can own. While very young, i.e. fewer than a few months, they tend to be nippy but this is a defensive move more than aggression. When handling any snake it is important to support the body. Ball pythons also like to wrap their tails around fingers or hands, so don't be alarmed if your snake squeezes a little. It isn't trying to hurt you. Don't restrict your snake's head and neck so it can freely explore without feeling threatened. Don't tap their head or nose, this is a very sensitive area.

Ball python moods are fairly easy to determine. If the neck is coiled and the snake is closely following your hand movements, it may be ready to strike. They aren't aggressive and will most likely coil into a tight ball (hence their name) if they feel threatened. Good luck with your sname, I like the name!

[Saber402]

Scoop him up from the side and hold him up against you. Don't come at him from the front. He might just ball up in your hand. Give him some time to relax and he will start exploring when he feels comfortable. If you move slowly, without any sudden moves to spook him, all should be good. Limit the first few times to under 15 minutes per day. He will eventually learn that you are not a threat.

Avoid handling for a day or two after feedings. Also, when he goes into shed he might not want to be handled.

If you do happen to take a bite, do not put him down or back in the tank. Keep holding him. Otherwise he will learn that biting means he will be left alone which will lead to difficulty handling him later as he gets older. As a previous poster said, bites, especially from babies, rarely hurt or draw blood. I got tagged by one of mine that is just over a year old the other day. Only left three tiny marks on my hand. That was my first bite out of the eight ball pythons I have, so it is relatively rare but does happen.

Good luck!

[steve_r34]

[QUOTE=shadowsnakes;2211724]Please don't read this and think it applies to all snakes or all situations, because it certainly doesn't.

they are not animals that take commands .. so at any time any snake can strike at u just because its a ball python doesn't mean its never gonna strike at u ... so like i said if want to own any snake be prepared to get struck and possibly tagged ....

yes there are warning signs .. but i have had plenty of my snakes show them and never strike and theres times when u can slide out a tub and catch the snake off guard n it strike ..i have a female spider every time i have her out she tries to tag my dog .. its actually funny tho .. n i have others that hang on my dog ..

[shadowsnakes]

they are not animals that take commands .. so at any time any snake can strike at u just because its a ball python doesn't mean its never gonna strike at u

I never stated this. Your post implied, no matter what the OP does, he will get bit by a fairly docile species and this is simply not true. Proper handling and awareness greatly decreases the chances of being bit but yes the possibility is always there. I was providing additional information since OP appears to be a new keeper and there is no reason to fear the snake because "if u own any snakes in life eventually they will strike at u". I apologize if my intent was misunderstood.

[steve_r34]

This I understand but fear of being bitten when owning a snake is not good ... therefore he/she should be aware of no matter how much caution or proper care they use it can still happen ... and for the record I never said taggd i said strike

[Mr Oni]

You will be alright.
Dont let it psych you out.

I got tagged for the first time a week ago and it took a second to realize i got bit.
I was holding her and cleaning out her tub.
My thoughts when it happend
1. The heck was that sound?
2. My hand feels wet
3. Whys my hand wet?
Then i look at my hand
4. Is that spit?
5. Did she just bite me?
Then a little bit of blood.

Brat

Granted shes only 675g but it Happeneds so fast.