Striking position when trying to be held?

[Shoyle]

Hello! I've had my ball python for about six months now, and I have had no problem holding him. He is very calm and nice and has never struck at me before. However, for the last two weeks, he gets into the striking position when I try to hold him. I will open the tank and he will immediately get ready to strike. I tried feeding him and holding him several days after, but he still wants to strike. What should I do?

[AKA Dave]

The short answer is just pick him up. Don't reward the behavior by leaving him alone. Grab him from the back, BPs can only strike forward. If you do get tagged, don't freak out. Keep him out for another few minutes and then put him back. A BP bite is not bad. It's like getting attacked by an angry piece of velcro. The primal "I just got bitten by a snake" reaction will be there if you are not used to it though. Just squash it and move along.

Dave

[KingWheatley]

The short answer is just pick him up. Don't reward the behavior by leaving him alone. Grab him from the back, BPs can only strike forward. If you do get tagged, don't freak out. Keep him out for another few minutes and then put him back. A BP bite is not bad. It's like getting attacked by an angry piece of velcro. The primal "I just got bitten by a snake" reaction will be there if you are not used to it though. Just squash it and move along.

Dave

Angry velcro....

I still get that primal reaction. My heart jumps even when mine strikes at his food.


Herp Derp

[Kaorte]

Yeah just pick him up. Try to keep your hands out of the strike zone and life from the back or side.

As said above, the bite is not bad. It's mostly just surprising.


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[Sonny1318]

The object should be not to get bitten, but being bitten comes with the Territory. Use a hook, or place a wash cloth over his head. This should prepare him either way. And I agree, if he's never bit, just reach in and grab them.

[Shoyle]

Ok thank you everyone!

[CALM Pythons]

The object should be not to get bitten, but being bitten comes with the Territory. Use a hook, or place a wash cloth over his head. This should prepare him either way. And I agree, if he's never bit, just reach in and grab them.

Great advice above.. Im dealing with this same thing with my Male.. He was fine for the first 3 months and now he is a nervous nelly, not aggressive just nervous and thats a big difference. As soon as i open enclosure he "S's" up.. Even struck into the air.. I use a hook to block his strike distance and use my other hand to scoop him up without hesitation. Once he is out he is fine after about 3 min of loosing him up...