Should I Be Nervous?

[Izza420]

Well i decided to get a snake. I have a buddy that has 2 ball pythons. I love em, so i decided on getting one. He is prolly 3 years old and decently big and i am still getting use to him. he is a bit bigger then my buddies because they are not that old and quit a bit smaller. I don't know what i did the other night but I had him on my hand and he constricted pretty tightly on my hand. Makes me a little nervous i know they are nice snakes one of the nicest. But what could be the reason he did that? thanks you and i am knew here and live the forums!

[Nate]

Well i decided to get a snake. I have a buddy that has 2 ball pythons. I love em, so i decided on getting one. He is prolly 3 years old and decently big and i am still getting use to him. he is a bit bigger then my buddies because they are not that old and quit a bit smaller. I don't know what i did the other night but I had him on my hand and he constricted pretty tightly on my hand. Makes me a little nervous i know they are nice snakes one of the nicest. But what could be the reason he did that? thanks you and i am knew here and live the forums!

Welcome to the forum!

That was him probably just getting a grip...he doesn't wanna fall off you

[Izza420]

Well i understand that they will tighten up so they do not fall. But i meen i really really tightened onto my hand. I meen Im a big guy. I shouldnt really worry just wondering if im doing somthing wrong with him. or not making him comfterble

[Argentra]

Yup, I agree. He probably wanted to make sure he wouldn't fall. These snakes aren't very coordinated, and don't like heights much, so they'll hold fast when you have them just in your hands. That's why I like to hold my bigger ones closer to my chest or lap; yes they like to slither around my neck (or waist), but at least they don't grab on too tight.

Oh, and bigger snakes = tighter holds. It seemed really tight to you, but it wasn't much for him. Believe me, you'd know if he was trying to squeeze you.

[Izza420]

Ok i just need to be a little re insured. I just thought it was really tight. one fast question. what is the chances of a ball python biting its owner?

[FatBoy]

Some balls are just tempered "ill" and will occassionally bite for no reason. Other than that they will only bite out of defense or a feeding response. If you sneak up on him while he is resting he may strike. If your hand smells like food he may strike, or if he smells food and sees your hand moving he may strike. If you can sit around and hold yours he is probally not ill natured and you should be fine unless you do one of the last 2 things I mentioned.

[Argentra]

Basically, yeah. Unless the snake just has 'an attitude', it wouldn't strike unless you frightened/startled it (which doesn't really hurt, it's just a 'slap' tag) or you smell like rodent or move your hand near him when he's in feeding mode (in that case, it could hurt because he thinks your hand is food and will latch on).

[Izza420]

ok thanks

[FatBoy]

I have never had one latch on. When they bite in feeding mode they seem to instantly know you are not food and let go, almost just like a defensive bite except they do dig in good with the teeth. I still say it doesn't hurt as bad as my cat biting me playing though. Just a little diferent mentally getting bit by a snake. LOL

[Izza420]

Yea I see what you meen. I always liked snakes but just recently got one. hasnt bit me yet and hopfully he wont thanks for the help guys.