How to tell when the snake is annoyed?

[motormike40]

Hello, call me a whimp, but Im really not looking to get tagged by my snake. I stuck my hand in her tank to pick her up, and she lifted her head, and to me looked like an offensive position. Is there anyway to tell when she is scared, annoyed or is it just luck. I was wondering if there was any indication like a cat with its tail. Thanks a ton.

[toe_knee]

when ever i spook my Pastel. he lets me know. first he hisses and i still try to pick him up he goes right into the "S" position.

[xdeus]

Okay, you're a wimp.

There are a few indicators that you can watch out for. Most commonly is the tell-tale "Hiss" that they make. They usually do this when you wake them up and try to pick them up. However, I've found that if they hiss, they usually don't strike. The ones that have struck are sitting in the classic 'S' position with their head raised up. When that's the case, I usually just move my hand behind them and pick them up, then they usually calm right down.

BTW, I can understand your aprehension to getting bit, but a bite from a Ball really isn't a big deal at all. It's not exactly a ticklish experience, but nothing to be very concerned about.

[Kara]

If you act like you're going to get bit, you're going to get bit. Relax & enjoy your snake!

K~

[animalkeeper]

If you act like you're going to get bit, you're going to get bit. Relax & enjoy your snake!

K~

I'd have to agree with this. If you dangle hand in front of a snake for too long you will get bit. You reach in, you pull back, you hesitate, etc etc, bamm snake gets scared and bites you. Or of course things can happen when you get careless during feeding time. I think best time to take snake out is when snake seems to want out. Eventually they will be slithering around at night. I just pop the lid on mine and out she comes.