Handling

[Johnny Hive X]

I haven't handled snakes before and don't want to screw this up and have a BP hate me

I want to keep the snake from stressing out and ultimately, biting me. I'm not worried about being bitten, and know the worst thing to do is pull away. I am mainly trying to "train"(?) the snake to be used to handling and enjoy being out of the tank and roaming with me a bit.

What's the best way to hold a snake and where on the snakes body? Any pictures or videos would be helpful

Thanks!

[sjsexotics]

just know
1.support there whole body weight
2. they normally do not like there heads and the top part of there neck touches
3.don't squeeze hold loosely and let the snake move through your hands

[simplechamp]

Also, remember to move slowly and deliberately. Fast, jerky movements are bad; they make you look like a threat.

[starmom]

People hate; ball pythons do not hate.

Hold the snake- you'll see how to do it when you do it. Sort of like a slinky!
Restless equals stressed; you'll learn how to read your own snake.

Make sure you don't handle your snake for a couple of weeks when you get him or her. They need a period of acclimation to their new environment

[Johnny Hive X]

OK. Sounds good. I knew to leave them alone for a bit so they can get comfortable with their new home.

What about if they happen to bite, what's the best procedure at that point. I know the first thing isn't to jerk away.

[mainbutter]

If it's a defensive bite they will strike and release.

If it's a feeding response, they may grab on and not let go. I've never been bitten by my bp, but if I was and she wasn't letting go, the thing to do is just put her head under a faucet with the knob turned to lukewarm(don't freeze or burn the snake) and she should release pretty immediately.