Taming and reading ball python

[JustinGatCat]

Hey everyone!

So, I've had Pua for a few days now, I've only picked him up once since getting him, but it was brief,
i just put him in a separate container to rearrange his cage. But now that he's been in his new home for a couple of days, I think I'm ready to start taming/handling him. He's about 6 months old, I'm not sure how much his previous owners handled him, but his last owner said he was "nippy", but most BPs are like that when young. He's definitely took a few lunges at me while I was fixing his thermometer. I'm not sure whether that's normal or if he's just really mean. How would you guys recommend taking him? Again, he's 6 months old. What should I be looking for in terms of stress, calmness, etc.

[Kira]

Honestly, you should hold off on handling him for another week or two so he can adjust to his new environment. This will increase your chances of having him accept his first meal. Waiting is hard but you're going to have 15-20 years with him so a week or two without handling isn't so bad!

After he had eaten, give him 2-3 days to digest otherwise he might regurgitate his meal. Once you do start handling him, keep it very brief at first. 10 minutes is a good amount to start off with. With time once he gets more comfortable with your presence, you can start increasing the handling time. You will probably see him start to be less nervous and start to see you as a safe place.

The first few times that I handled my ball python, she flinched every time I would touch her. After a few short sessions, she realized that I'm no threat to her and now she seems to enjoy being out of her enclosure

[Mexecutioner]

I agree with Kira it's a must in my opinion to leave them for 2 weak without handling, the temptation of handling him will get high but you've gotta fight it lol mine was really snappy and really vocal with his hissing I wish I'd of got a video but I left him for to settle after that after two weak he was really shy then always balling up and not coming out he struck out once but that was due to fast movement from my son after a couple more times of handling he was great

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[Craiga 01453]

I agree with the above members and say let your new snake get settled in and eat at least a few meals without refusal. After that, start handling with short (10-15 minutes) handling sessions.

As for him being so nippy and lunging a few times, don't sweat it, he should calm down in a short time. It just may take a little more time and patience, but you'll both be fine.

Lastly, with stress and what to look for, it's important to watch and learn as much as possible. Watch your snakes breathing, watch the tongue flicks, watch how he moves. Observe him just cruising his enclosure at night. Watch his demeanor. Also watch prior to feeding day, as he will probably be hungry and he may be more curious. Watch him as you're feeding, watch how his movements change. Once you see his "normal" behavior you should be able to better identify what isn't normal.