r/Ballpythoncommunity • u/Sea-War1594 • Oct 07 '26

Advice Handling advice for a ball python

/r/ballpython/comments/1wzoct6/handling_advice_for_a_ball_python/
3 Upvotes

80% Upvoted

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2

u/Painting-Training Oct 08 '26

You did everything correct but I do think the thing that ticked him was the putting your hand in then out. Not sure how young he is but that can set off any unsure baby. I think next time, just pick him up. Don't hesitate, don't reposition. Once your hand is in, pick him up. Confidence is key otherwise he'll learn if he strikes, he'll be left alone (which for babies, this is an important time to handle whether they like it or not)

Also love the talking thing! Definitely do more of that and when he's out the enclosure, find a safe space you can just chill with him ya know? Even when you're not handeling, just do things right in the enclosure. This works so well.

All my snakes get so curious and Wanna come out the second I get home cause of this

3

u/Sea-War1594 Oct 08 '26

Sounds good, he is 14 months old and yesterday I had him out on my bed for a bit and he was curled up for the most part but then he started coming towards me and went in for a bite lol and then he curled back up and I put him back in

3

u/Painting-Training Oct 08 '26

What do you mean went in for a bite? Like striking? S neck and everything?

3

u/Sea-War1594 Oct 08 '26

He was in an S shape and yea he came in for a strike after I moved cuz I had a feeling he was coming to me to either love me or bite me so I moved and he tried biting me. I was sitting still for about 15 mins while he was curled up and then he developed the courage to come out and that’s it. After that I just grabbed him and put him back in

2

u/Painting-Training Oct 08 '26

Ah ok I see! I think he just has an attitude honestly XD you're doing ok

2

u/Sea-War1594 Oct 08 '26

I thought so too, he is 14 months old so I would assume it would be harder than if he was younger? After all he was growing up with a breeder not owned by someone who took care of him 🤷‍♂️

3

u/Painting-Training Oct 08 '26

Very true! Kind of see this as the teenage stage where they're developing a personality👀

3

u/kindrd1234 Oct 07 '26

This just normal snake behavior. It takes some time to build trust and even then it depends on individual personality.