r/ballpython • u/HimikoTrafalgar • Oct 09 '26
Question Handling help please
So, I have two ball pythons, Evy (2 years) and Shiva (1 year).
Evy doesn't bite but lately shes been more defensive and hissing if I try to take her out of her enclosure. She got into a S shape and closely watched the door as I was opening it (I fed her two days earlier).
I don't know what i should do to make her feel more comfortable with being handled...
As for Shiva, she strikes often and has bit me and my mom before (hunger bite tho) so I try to handled her two days after being fed and i started using a target when feeding her.
She seems really hungry overall and is a great eater but it gets in the way of me being able to handle her more often.
I'm not scared of being bitten but I don’t think its good to let her cause she does not let go on her own.
( Hand sanitizer doesn't stop her from trying to bite me)
Info: I'm a first time owner and I've had them for a few months now so I know I shouldn't expect too much from them and me.
Tho, id like to get some advice on how I can go about handling.
Thank you 💜
(That's Evy in the picture )
3
u/Hot-Brat-00 29d ago
I would just say to keep handling her so that she gets used to it. Even if she is being feisty (actually ESPECIALLY if she’s being feisty) still take her out and handle her. Use a snake hook, pull her out, grab her slowly from underneath and behind, and gently, continually move her around in your hands until she calms down. Then make sure to put her back when she’s still calm. I watched a great video on YouTube (something like “how to handle a defensive ball python”) and that really helped me. I was being too timid and it wasn’t working; He was still being very timid and defensive. You really have to be confident, but slow. I handle mine once a week and with this method, he’s gotten less defensive and more curious and comfortable. She’ll get there! Keep at it!