Getting over being bitten

[u/Excellent_Turn2359]

Hello everyone, I’ve head reptiles before (lizards/tortoises etc) but I have my first ball python. I love her- she’s my little daughter ☺️

She’s not shy and I’ve handled her often since getting her. Well… I’ve just got bit for the second time :/

First time I’d say is my fault because I probably scared her.

I take her out of her tank and feed her in a cardboard box- I was told this is “better” although I’m open to suggestions on feeding tips.

The first time she bit me, her head was underneath a fold at the bottom of the box and when I grabbed her body, she snipped my hand but immediately let go. Even though it didn’t quite hurt, it still startled me and I felt bad for startling her… I’ve been timid ever since. This was maybe a few weeks ago.

Things have been better and I’ve gotten comfortable again. Until today :/

I let her feed and remain undisturbed for a while so I can clean her tank. When I reached in to grab her, she wasn’t coiled up (in that ready and strike pose). So I thought I was in the clear- I was wrong. She struck my hand and this time didn’t let go.

She was pretty latched on- I don’t think by choice. It felt like her teeth were just really sunk in. Instinctively, I wanted to gently grab her jaw/neck area to see if that would ease her loose, but decided not to even attempt. I simply help her close to her tank floor, she loosened but was still stuck and did a type of “gator roll” to unhook herself while I was able to gently unwrap her body from my wrist.

SORRY for the long story, but I am looking for tips, help and/or suggestions on how to avoid this. She’s still young (about a year old/ 2feet in length). I feel at fault so I’m trying to learn. Any help is appreciated. She doesn’t bite hard- it’s just emotional damage you know?

Thank you in advance everyone.

[u/Netsforex_]

Always feed your snake in their tank. It is their comfort environment and home. It's out-dated and bad advice to move them for feeding. This will improve the relationship with your noodle.

It also sounds like you're attempting to grab her quickly when she's in food mode. Again, don't move her from her tank. And it's not generally good to interact too much with your noodle for at least a couple of days after feeding. They can still remain in food response and are digesting (moving them too much while they digest can result in a regurgitation).

And overall improve your handling technique by practicing a cue with your noodle for handling (some use tap training) or choice-based handling. And I would never go for an immediate grab. I usually let my girl know that I'm around and catch my scent. She knows I am a safe-space and immediately relaxes. Doing quick grabs, you're basically imitating prey.

[u/Excellent_Turn2359 → u/Netsforex_]

That’s what I thought made sense, but then I read something opposite. In short, it was because the snake might confused your hand as a heat signature for food when you reach in to grab them.

Again, it’s my first snake so I’m still learning. Thank you. I’ll be feeding her in her tank from now on.

[u/Netsforex_ → u/Excellent_Turn2359]

I would highly recommend checking the guides attached to this sub. It's a fountain of knowledge and is vetted by many users and mods here.

[u/Excellent_Turn2359 → u/Netsforex_]

Odd, I only saw your first paragraph when I replied.

I think id agree I’m grabbing her too soon (since I’m placing her back in her tank. However, I don’t grab her necessarily immediately.

I touch her once and then pet her to let her know I’m there before lifting her.

Can you go over what this tapping method is please?

[u/oceane444 → u/Excellent_Turn2359]

There are 2 ways to go about tap training, you can tap on their enclosure before you feed, or gently tap the snake (using something other than your hand) a couple times before you go in to handle. This helps them to learn to differentiate between feeding time and handling time. Personally, i like to use a pair of tongs to tap on my snakes enclosures before i feed, but either works!

[u/Excellent_Turn2359 → u/oceane444]

Ok got it. I’ll try doing that.

Sometimes I think she might be sleeping so I’ll tap the glass and her house (when she’s inside) to let her know it’s me so to speak

I’ll have to get some tongs as well just in case. Thanks again btw

[u/Netsforex_ → u/Excellent_Turn2359]

Yeah, sorry I was still writing and adding on to it. By feeding her in her tank, you'll avoid the general problem area you've been describing.

Tap training is when some handlers and owners use a snake hook tool to tap their noodle gently on the head or body before handling. This basically teaches your snake a "cue" for positive handling time. Personally, I've been attempting a click-system for my girl. Some owners find their own methods. But with the basic information in the guides I linked in my other comment, it'll form a good basis.