My New Ball Python (first time snake owner)

[Bogertophis]

Thank you so VERY much for this detailed response. Honestly, it totally makes sense to me that she would be afraid of a giant thing approaching her and trying to handle her - I would be too if I was her- haha! I’ll be sure to go slow and be cautious with her and not push her until she gets more comfortable. I keep handling sessions short and only once a day, about 5 days a week. I can do less also until she is more comfortable. Thank you very much for your insights!

I would be afraid too- I mean, we're at least 100 times bigger than they are.

I'm one of those that disagrees with the "keep handling short" advice (within reason, of course). The thing is, nervous snakes usually bite either when we approach & pick them up, OR when they feel a loss of their sense of security when we're putting them back- so that tells you what's the most stressful to them. And they don't like to be dangled at arm's length from us either, like when people are trying to avoid a bite, because they feel safer when they can "hide" next to us- like we're a big warm cave.

My point is that in a "short handling session"- most of your time together will consist of the parts they hate, with not enough time to actually relax & bond with you. I'd suggest doing longer, relaxed sessions & no more than 3 times a week, & at least 30-60 minutes duration (depending on snake's tolerance & as long as your house isn't too cold, obviously). The best thing is to sit down & relax- maybe watch a movie while holding your snake near you- & put a small towel or a t-shirt over the snake so it feels somewhat hidden & sheltered while being held. See how the snake reacts- hopefully, she'll relax & while doing so, she'll learn your scent & touch, and to feel safer with you. She'll learn to recognize you.

Keep it low key- BPs are snakes that are not too active out in the open, where predators can get them. That's why they feel safer when cuddled close to us. Also, before you pick them up from their home, give them a few minutes to recognize you by your scent & touch- & don't be too abrupt when you approach & pick them up. Remember they might even be asleep- it's very hard to tell when snakes are asleep...have you noticed that? (I've been "taming" snakes for many years... Empathy will get you a LONG way to success.)

I would also avoid all handling for a day or 2 before she's due to eat- at least until she knows you much better- just to make sure she's not too stressed to eat.