Ball Python Defensive/Aggressive

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for the thorough reply! I will continue to work with her and hope that she learns that I am not a threat. I understand that she only does it out of fear. I actually had to use the towel technique that you mentioned at least twice while trying to clean her cage. Once she locks onto me, the only way to remove her from the cage is by creating a visual barrier. I imagine this also reduces the stress on her being covered in a dark towel. Your story with your boa gives me hope!

But -I'm assuming- when you used a towel, it was only for a short while- "to clean her cage". Our approach & pick-up is the most stressful for the snake- it takes TIME for them to calm down from that, which is why I suggest holding her for a while, when you're reading or doing something where you sit down calmly for a while, so she will have time to unwind. There's no fast way to do this, unfortunately- snakes are individuals, & some are harder than others to teach, especially those with a history like my Mexican BCI had. They can't learn to associate you with safety while they're in a state of panic. Remember they LIKE being warm & cozy under a towel- at the same time, they learn your scent & touch, once they have time to calm down. See? They learn to associate you with safety- just like they'd learn their way around in the wild & return to their cozy hiding places.

Another thing to do with a fearful snake is to take a stroll outside (temperatures permitting, obviously) while holding them. Usually best after the previous sessions- once they already know you're a reliable safe zone. They're very distracted by all the different smells- & a little sunshine is probably good for them just as it is for us. It's just another way to build trust & bond as much as you can.

I believe there are exceptions*- but very few- that are untamable- due to "brain differences" to put it nicely, lol. But VERY few- so think positive, & ALWAYS try to imagine how you'd feel in her place. Empathy is the key. (*And that's true of all kinds of animals.)