New Ball Python owner

[Mollyaustin]

Hello, I'm new to the snake world and New to this forum. I have recently inherited a ball python from a friend who had to get rid of hers. I was advised to find a forum of other snake owners and introduce myself. Out snakes name is Lucy, she is about 3 1/2 feet long and about 4 years old. She seems to have adapted well to being handled. I have done a lot of research so far and I'm sure I will have lots of questions later. My main question right now though is do snakes have signs of when it is NOT the right time to hold them? My 13 year old daughters seem fearless when our comes to this but I want to be able to tell them to watch for certain signs so they are less likely to be stricken. Thanks I advance for any advice!

[Aaron_S]

Generally speaking I find my ball pythons to display a behaviour they don't normally display when they want to be left alone.

Such as, minor hissing, or fast movements with their body. The other way to know if yours doesn't want to be held currently is they tend to "tense up" and be still. If the snake is exploring and moving around at ease with tongue flicks that are quick and short you should be fine.

I recommend leaving the snake alone for 24 - 48 hours after it digests as well as when the snake is in shed. The eyes will go milky blue. I find they tend to be a little more cautious at this time.