Help Me

[fastingt]

Kind of aggressive BP??? He is fine with rubbing or petting but not okay with actually being picked up.

1. How long have you had your ball python?


I have had Dude for almost 3 weeks


2. How old (or how big) is your snake?


Dude's age and weight is unknown


3. Does it eat on a regular schedule?


Yes


4. How long since its last meal?


2 Days ago


5. What type/size prey is being offered?


Rat pups


6. How often do you offer food?


Every Sunday, if refused then he eats on Mondays


7. What type and size of enclosure does it live in?


Glass 20 gal XL tank


8. What are you using as substrate? If it has depth, how deep is it?


Aspen, less than half an inch


9. What type of heating do you use?


UTH, ceramic heat lamp


10. Do you use a thermostat to control temperatures?


Yes


11. What do you use to measure/monitor temperatures?


Digital thermometer


12. What are the surface and ambient temperatures in the enclosure?


Surface 85, Ambient 82


13. What is the average humidity level?


45-55%


14. How many and what type of hides does the snake have?


2, one bowl and one rock like


15. Is water readily available at all times?


Yes


16. Does the snake live alone or does it share the enclosure with anything else?


Most definitely alone


17. How often and for how long is the snake typically handled?


THIS IS WHY I NEED HELP, lol, he's fine with petting or rubbing but hisses and strikes when I try to pick him up to weigh him


18. Does the snake have any medical history (old injuries or illnesses)?


Unknown


19. Do you have any other reptiles? Have you brought in any new reptiles recently?


No and no


20. Is there anything specific or unique about your situation that we should be aware of?

Dude was left on my front porch to be put lightly, I have no idea his exact breed or morph and I have no idea how old he is.

[CALM Pythons]

Well i know a lot about your snake... And it sounds like his name is "Dude"
but whats the question? As far as him striking, there is no way for anyone to know just by hearing about him.

[BBotteron]

Only thing I can give since I'm new is keep trying to handle. If he's tagging you gently put a wash rag over him and pick him up that way. After a minute or two slowly move washrag back and touch him WHILE holding. 5 min holdings once or twice a week at night and not within 2 days after a meal.
Surface temp...is that measured with a temp gun on the glass directly over the uth on the inside of the enclosure?
And your answer to #20..what happened


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[Snoopyslim]

Have you watched any handling videos ? I found them helpful. Once you become accustomed to the snakes moods/movements you will know when a good time is to grab them. Never grab or reach near face always try to give rub then pick it up by the tail and support the fattest bits...mine feels secure when it's anchored to something then once it relaxes it will relax the whole body.

What is it doing that makes you think it's not okay with being picked up? Did it strike?

[BBotteron]

I didn't think about YouTube. Look up jkobylka pro tips videos. He has one about handling nippy bps I think? How old is he?


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[fastingt]

I'm not sure how old he is, and the local animal shelter (i live in a small town) has the exact same address i do except west instead of east street. it was cold outside and this was on a sunday. the shelter is closed sundays and mondays. i fell in love.

[fastingt]

He doesn't necessarily strike, he hisses and acts like he's going to strike. I have no problem with being bite or struck at but I don't want him to associate "hand in cage changing water" with "omg i have to bite/strike this thing in my cage".

[Monty44]

He doesn't necessarily strike, he hisses and acts like he's going to strike. I have no problem with being bite or struck at but I don't want him to associate "hand in cage changing water" with "omg i have to bite/strike this thing in my cage".

Try wearing a colored glove. I didn't want my ball to associate my hand with food so I put on a winter glove when I feed him.

[predatorkeeper87]

are you reaching down towards him? A lot of snakes will strike at something coming from above them due to instinctual habit that something coming from above probably wants to eat them. My male Mojave spider strikes at me if I reach over him, but all I have to do is touch his tail or back and he gives up. As a general thought though...I'd just get used to the hissing, as all mine hiss if I touch them while they are chilling in a hide.