Ball python smell

[HenryTheSnake]

Hey all!
I have heard that ball pythons recognize their owners using the smell of their hands. Now, since I wash my hands with scented soap before handling my ball python, does he recognize me only by that soap?
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

[Eric Alan]

Hey all!
I have heard that ball pythons recognize their owners using the smell of their hands. Now, since I wash my hands with scented soap before handling my ball python, does he recognize me only by that soap?
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

That's a great question. You should ask him!

In all seriousness, I don't think that the smell of your hands is the only thing your BP uses to recognize you. There are all sorts of things like pheromones, body heat, feeding association, etc, that they could be using. They're considerably more advanced than you seem to be giving them credit for.

[treaux]

I'd say my BPs usually recognize me before they start flicking their tongue. I love their moment of recognition as I am going to pick them up that I am friend, not foe and they visibly relax.

[Yodawagon]

I think they recognize voices.

[redshepherd]

I still don't know what they use to recognize us- probably a lot of factors, like Eric said!

Cake and Vigil are visibly relaxed with me, whether I'm reaching into their cage to touch them or whether they're out on my lap. It honestly doesn't matter what I smell like or even look like (as long as it's not mouse or rat). They used to breathe heavily when being held a few months back, but they're always chill now. It could be the texture of my hands/skin or my overall scent (so not just hands). They can use voices, but use more than just voices- I don't talk to them when I'm taking them out or anything, but they know that I'm a safe figure.

On the contrary, when I have guests over there, they obviously recognize that there are a bunch of different people, and they're skittish and breathe heavily.