Ball python hatchling just diarrhea'd all over me?

[siwueofk]

Yes, the breeder I got him from is full time, I think, and he said he never handled them.

I've noticed that whenever I change his water or spot clean, if he wakes up, he'll either strike at me or just stick his head out of his hide and stare at me. When holding him, he's very tense, keeping his eyes on me, or he'll strike at things that get too close to him (even objects). Plus he peed and pooped on me. No hissing though, so that's a plus!

Also I use a hook to get him out.

I gave him a full week of absolutely no interaction to settle in. He's eaten for me successfully twice now. He's been like this since the beginning of our handling.

How often should I handle him to start the taming process?

[Bogertophis]

Yes, the breeder I got him from is full time, I think, and he said he never handled them.

I've noticed that whenever I change his water or spot clean, if he wakes up, he'll either strike at me or just stick his head out of his hide and stare at me. When holding him, he's very tense, keeping his eyes on me, or he'll strike at things that get too close to him (even objects). Plus he peed and pooped on me. No hissing though, so that's a plus!

Also I use a hook to get him out.

I gave him a full week of absolutely no interaction to settle in. He's eaten for me successfully twice now. He's been like this since the beginning of our handling.

How often should I handle him to start the taming process?

Because he is so nervous & frightened, I'd feed him at LEAST 2 more times before attempting ANY handling. Eating is job #1, not taming this toothy little worm. If you
handle him now you may make it much harder to keep him feeding. He can obviously use more time to lose some of his fear.

What I'd recommend when you DO begin to handle him though is to pick him up with your hook and immediately put a small towel over him so he cannot see out (or you). Just sit & hold him gently wrapped in the towel for a good 30 minutes while you read or watch tv- you can lightly stroke him thru the towel also. Then put him back in his cage. Do this a few more times before you start letting him peek out of the towel while you're holding him: if he's scared, cover him back up, & repeat this process until he learns to know you better from your scent & touch (thru the towel)...then gradually let him get used to seeing you too. Remember how BIG we are to them. He's just scared, & you can't blame him. Be patient & he'll learn he's safe with you. But if you rush him you'll make it worse & probably also make him refuse to eat...he needs empathy, just be glad he eating for you. It could be worse. He's a normal snake, they don't all learn at the same rate, or have the same start in life, but if you're patient, you'll have a wonderful pet. He will enjoy your warmth thru the towel, learn your scent & touch gradually, then learn to accept your scary size.