a little too aggressive?

[BiGBaLLiN]

my bp Baller is really aggressive. striking at me whenever i open the lid to the rubbermaid. is it because he is still too young? he is only a hatchling and i got him from Petco. i am sure that they are captive bred or i was told. by other guy is a little bigger than Baller and has never struck at me once. He is really docile and very calm and doesnt show the least amount of aggression. im kinda getting worried and i dont want to have to take him back. maybe he is too stressed? or still too young to know better? i need help bad...

[Adam_Wysocki]

he is only a hatchling and i got him from Petco. i am sure that they are captive bred or i was told.

Petco sells CH imports.

-adam

[tigerlily]

How long have you had him? Temps? Are they both in the same cage?

[daniel1983]

think about it....

you are a hatchling snake, a giant animal reaches to grap you......what else can you do but strike and defend yourself for the predator?

Just let the little guy settle in for a while.....did you give him a good 1 week to 2 week period with no handling so that he can get used to his new surroundings? Did you get him to feed for you 2 or 3 times before you started handling? If not, you need to give the little guy a break and get him eating regularly before any handling takes place. Inconsistent feeding and aggressive behavior are usually a sign of stress. Check your setup to make sure you have all the correct temps, make sure you have at least two hides in the enclosure, and stop handling for a while and everything should work itself out. Hope that helps

[frankykeno]

Well I'm a total newbie at ball python behaviour but I would have to say if it's really young, coming thru gawd knows what at Petco and their suppliers, then into your home, and then maybe not cb as Adam has said....might just be a really scared little snake there.

I'd think that a very quiet environment with multiple hides, minimal contact except for feeding and cage maintenance and hopefully time will take care of this, as long as it's healthy and eating and pooping, etc.

I'm wondering myself tho (experts please chime in) if some BP's are just more aggressive in nature and that's just that. I mean even given consistent excellent care some ball pythons are going to be just harder to handle then others, right?


~~Joanna~~

[Smulkin]

A local pet store (we visit for crix and non-rodent feeders) got some CH BPs in recently - they are snappier than the retics, afrocks and the green burmese they also have. I'm not too surprised that pet store conditions (as opposed to breeder quality care) leave them less than content - especially as it is TOO routine to see multiple BPs dumped in together in those conditions.

But yes - as each individual is inherently . . well an individual . . their behaviours and tractability will vary.

[Adam_Wysocki]

But yes - as each individual is inherently . . well an individual . . their behaviours and tractability will vary.

Music to my ears!

-adam

[iceman25]

a)How long ago did you get him and did you give him time to adapt?
b)What is your feeding method? Basically is it inside his enclosure or seperate.

Babies are usually snappy cause that is the only defence they have against a larger predator. Give him some time and handle him for about fifteen minutes daily until he does not perceive you as a threat any more. If he hisses and tries to bite you, dont be put off!

[BiGBaLLiN]

i had him for about a week with no handling, my temps are good, he has two hides, and some plastic plants for cover and he for me in a separate rubbermaid. i had to get him out with a stick cause he was snapping at me. he even snapped at the stick. so as of now, i dont know what to do. i have yet to be tagged by him and i dont look forward to be either. maybe gloves? i just dont know. help!

[iceman25]

Use gloves if you know for a fact that you are going to get tagged. He has to learn that you are not prey or predator but just a part of his background. Once you have achived this with him, then he should start calming down. By the way, have you fed him yet? If you are going to pick him up make sure you avoid the area near his head.

Raj