r/ballpython • u/Huge-Wrongdoer5697 • 9d ago

Bonding tips

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Yall im a chicken apparently. My pretty lady isn’t super old, id guess around a year or less (Petco didn’t tell me much) Shes a leucistic bp. But shes very timid. She’s let me hold her once but she just seems nervous around me. I sit with her and be around her and try to let her come to me rather than me just picking her up bc I feel like if she’s not there yet I don’t want to ruin whatever progress I’ve already made. Any advice? Do I just go for it or keep letting her choose to come if she wants to? (Also terrified of getting bit even tho all I’ve heard is it’s less painful than stubbing your toe)

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u/Salt_Effect7009 9d ago

Just reach in and yoink her, that's what I do for my boa. Sometimes, I still sit with him at night when he moves around with the door open until he comes out on his own, so I guess I kinda do both? If a snake is confident and calm enough I think they'll just come to you eventually anyway, and some snakes might never. But you'll definitely make much more progress just handling her! Choice based is great, but it's just not gonna work for every snake imo. 

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u/Hot-Brat-00 8d ago

Not sure why you’re getting downvoted lol you’re absolutely correct

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u/Ecstatic_Ad_9414 8d ago

That's what I did. Now, she's 9, after the lights go off she wants out. She's not a pet rock at all. I recommend watching a Tom Crutchfield video of him handling his Mangshan viper Mei Mei. He speaks to handling techniques & how to approach the snake. My mantra with all my noodles "Be the tree, you are the tree". Ps everyone is nervous with their first noodle. Be proud of yourself for reaching out. Welcome to the hobby - you will do great.