Quote Originally Posted by Callen7 View Post
So I got my BP almost two months ago. Out of the two I had pick of she was the only one that balled up and did not get defensive so I picked her/him. This is my first BP in a LONG time. I'm 27 now and have not owned a BP since I was like 12. She has settled for the most part and refused to eat for 2 1/2 weeks, she has taken two rat pups in the same week for two weeks now. I can see her approaching shed right now. She has the skin glassing over her eye. She took a pup last night. When should I start handling her and how should I approach her? I have a hook now to move her around when I need to do maintenance in her cage. Every time she hears (or feels?) me open the locks to her cage and slide the door she goes back to strike pose and watches my hand and moves her head wherever my hand goes. I am trying to not get tagged but i feel like that may happen with her/him. Is it possible for her to settle down?
Methods I use with a new or unknown animal.

1) Make slow even movements but with purpose.
2) Bites happen but should not be rewarded with being left alone or put down.
3) Hook training is also wise. Get the animal to ball up, turn, or run before reaching in.
4) Always remain calm.
5) I sit the ball python in my lap and let it sit partially covered with a towel for a few minuets relaxed and wait for them to start to move. I only intervene when they try to move off of me. This allows them to get use to my smell and learn that I am not something to fear.
6) Keep introductions to short period of times.
7) Repeat till you both are comfortable with the experience. Over time trust is built up.
8) Never handle the day before, the day of, and day after feeding.