I put this response in a similar thread just yesterday ...
Royals are the Golden Labradors of the snake world .. they will only normally bite if they’re scared or anxious ( like when you moved if into it’s new hone ) .
If it’s been settled for a while and feeding great then I’m certain it will be fine to handle . Just leave 36/48 hours for a meal to digest each time .
If you’re initially ( understandably) nervous then either get a cheap 4 dollar snake hook off eBay ..
You really don’t need a hook for a Royal / Ball python but you can use it to just keep it’s head / teeth away from you
Either wait until it’s roaming or lift the hide off it then guide the head gently away from you then get hold of it about five inches down from it’s head then you can put the hook down and use your other hand to lift the lower part it’s body up .
Once it’s in your hands it’s best to quickly sit down on a sofa or even the floor .. that way you can let it kinda explore around you safely whilst always keeping at least one hand on it .
They have to feel safe so you can’t have them dangling down when you’re holding them .. if they feel uncertain they will jerk around .
Be careful , watch their heads .. not for biting but they will quickly go down the side of the sofa or a radiator or whatever is close by .
Note when you’re feeding a snake there’s always the chance they will strike and bite you instead of the rodent but I put those down as your errors - not snake bites .
They are just attracted by your body heat which is why partly why I use a hairdryer to warm the mouse /rat up well before offering.
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