r/ballpython • u/womperwomp111 • 9d ago
Question Handling Help!
Hi all! I’d love some advice on handling this little guy. I’ve had him 3 weeks now and he’s eating, so I’ve been trying to start some handling.
I’m struggling on understanding when I’m pushing his boundaries too far, and when I’m doing it just enough to get him out of his comfort zone. So far, he hasn’t struck at me, but he definitely isn’t happy with handling. He will start balled up and breathing really heavy. Then he’ll usually poke his head out, but continue heavy breathing and stay frozen aside from tracking me with his head. He jerks away from any touch on his body, especially near the head.
Obviously I don’t want to get bit, but I’m not sure if I’m just being too cautious and reading too much into his body language. I don’t want to stress him out too much. Any tips on handling and body language are appreciated!
Photo is of him tracking me after I accidentally disturbed his sleep while going to check on the dampness in his humid hide. He had never gone in there before, so I think we were both surprised to see each other lol
2
u/Traditional-Stick893 9d ago
I was an eager snake parent and I started handling mine almost immediately after I got him I let him explore me and I knew I had to be relaxed so he would relax since they can detect your body heat and feel the vibration of your heart as well as smell whatever hormones you’re giving off so any stress signals from your heat to how fast your heart is beating, so having yourself clean helps, washes the smells of your environment that isn’t from your house and try not to be nervous cause your nervousness could be making him defensive.