python petting

[m1lkhoney]

This question crosses my mind once in awhile so I figured I'd ask. Does EVERY BP hate being "petted" or stroked? It seems to be instinct for a few people who've held my snake, and when I first got him and he stayed mostly balled up around me (new environment + not used to people) I could stroke his back lightly for half a minute and he'd unball. It was the only thing that got him to pull his head out back then, actually, and then he would relax and start flicking his tongue a bit. He still flinches if anyone touches near his head, of course, so I know what he looks like when he's trying to get away from something.

Anyway.

I was at a reptile store a few weeks ago and was handed a nervous BP, and he had the same reaction to gentle touching. However, the... "reptile attendant" saw me do this and said BPs hate it. Do you ever sort of pet your snake? Am I wrong in assuming that if they stop tensing up when they're touched, these two snakes in particular don't hate it?

[MontyP2016]

Honestly I stroke down the back of all my snakes everytime I handle them and they seem to be ok with it. Touching most snakes on the head will make them jump and go away from your touch (except my normal who allows me to touch his head because I helped him once with stuck shed and I guess he just knows Im not gonna hurt him). Many people will say something or other stresses a snake out when there is no actual signs of it and sometimes if I get many different opinions I start fact checking away from the forums and hope to find scientific facts.

[fireflii]

Mine is fine with it as well. He will flinch a bit at first if I bump his nose, but I think it's more out of surprise. After he's been out for a few short minutes, he doesn't mind when if my hand is near his head. He'll just continue to move on by. I'd imagine snakes that don't get held much probably might not like it, though. It could be individual, too.

[m1lkhoney]

Thanks for the input!

[blk02ssmonte]

Most of them will "tolerate it" if you do it enough, just like handling them. They get used to it, although some just won't no matter how much you do.

[redshepherd]

I don't think most bp's hate being petted at all. A better description would be that they don't mind it, once they realize it's safe.

The very rare BP is pissy with anything to do with interaction, but that's just individual.

[Willowy]

Mine like to have their heads rubbed . Well, the sides of their heads, more like their cheeks maybe. They'll stick their heads between my fingers when I hold them a certain way, so it seems like they're soliciting the attention. Maybe it scratches an itch, idk.

They don't like having the tops of their heads touched.

[Cin]

I've yet to own a ball python, but o can imagine it all depends on the individual snake. Whatever works for you, eh? Some cats will jump you if you so much as look at them funny, some snakes don't care if you curl your hand over their head. Just depends on the person handling and the disposition/past experiences of the animal.

[the_rotten1]

For mine it depends on the snake. Alex, my pied, is very well mannered and he'll tolerate just about anything but a direct touch to his head. He prefers a nice slow stroke along his body. Most of my snakes aren't as touchable as him, but even my most skittish one loosens up when I stroke her back. It calms her down when she's scared.

Whether or not they like it really depends on how you touch them. Most of my snakes don't like abrupt movement or being touched on the head or tail, but give their backs or sides a nice slow stroke and they'll be fine. Go with the scales, try not to venture too close to the underbelly, and basically just read the body language of the snake. You can tell when they're unhappy.

[BeelzeBall.]

they are just head shy i think, because of heard of people chilling with a royal on the couch watching tv. the boa doesn't seem to be headshy