Shy Ball python? + handling help

[GoingPostal]

I think most snakes do that, being touched or rubbed isn't something they are going to find enjoyable or pleasurable because they are snakes, that behavior is something humans love to do but it has no plus or appeal for the animal, they are just tolerating us.

[EL-Ziggy]

Snakes are naturally shy and solitary animals. They’re not cuddly critters that enjoy being rubbed or stroked. It’s the keeper that craves the contact. They would probably prefer if we never handled them but most of them become more tolerant of handling over time. Your BP is still a bit scared and defensive. Just take your time and continue your short gentle handling sessions and he’ll learn to relax and trust you more and probably won’t be so flighty. I don’t handle any of my snakes very often even though all but one are very easy to handle. I probably take them out once or twice a week for 10-15 minutes at a time. I’ll also let them out to exercise and free roam if I’m going to be hanging out in the snake room for a while. My snakes are more like plants than pets to me. I enjoy caring for them and watching them more than holding them especially since I know they don’t really like it. 😀

[EthanMG]

Snakes are naturally shy and solitary animals. They’re not cuddly critters that enjoy being rubbed or stroked. It’s the keeper that craves the contact. They would probably prefer if we never handled them but most of them become more tolerant of handling over time. Your BP is still a bit scared and defensive. Just take your time and continue your short gentle handling sessions and he’ll learn to relax and trust you more and probably won’t be so flighty. I don’t handle any of my snakes very often even though all but one are very easy to handle. I probably take them out once or twice a week for 10-15 minutes at a time. I’ll also let them out to exercise and free roam if I’m going to be hanging out in the snake room for a while. My snakes are more like plants than pets to me. I enjoy caring for them and watching them more than holding them especially since I know they don’t really like it.

Great point, I like the plant analogy. I’ll just continue to read him and adapt to what makes him happy.


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