first snake ever..got some queries

[Bartman]

I got my first snake today at the show from gillards herps and i was just wondering about there temperment. I know im not supposed to handle it for the first 3 weeks so it can get used to its enclosure but eventually as adults on average are they calm?

thanks in advance

[ANACONDASAURUS]

From my past experience BP's are usually calm. Best of luck with your new little purchase.

[snakehunter]

my snakes (2) are quite calm and relaxed, BUT my male will hiss, and huff when he doesnt want to be handled that and he is extremely head shy

[killaclown]

LOL BALLS ARE THE 3RD NICES SNAKES NEXT TO CORNS AND ROSYS. imao

[marisa]

I agree with everyone else, balls are normally very calm and easy to handle.

Marisa

[Snake_Hunter]

I have no probs with my ball its great with kids loves to be handled but hates to have its head touched, but not one aggressive bone in his body.

[Bartman]

yea my friend and the person who sold it to me told me that they HATE to have there head touched because the feel very vulnerable or something. When i was holding him for the first time any time i got near his head he would jerk backward so i aint gonna touch his head anymore but thanks everyone and im gonna try to get pics but i dont wanna handle him for around 3 weeks so he gets used to his environment.

[sapphire_moon]

Ya and you should get "The Ball Python Manual" get the right temps and humidity and stuff like that....Congrats.both my BP's are very calm, even the "baby" that has been handled all of 10 times since I got her.

[mango]

From my experiences with my own ball python and some others owned by friends they are quite calm. My girl is sometimes friendly but when she doesn't want to be handle she'll let me know by running from me or balling up and staying that way. They will let you know how they feel about everything you do. Just watch for the signs. Best of luck and Congrats!!! :D

[Jo060]

I know they say to wait 2-3 weeks after getting ur new BP till' u gold it. But thats a REALLY LONG! time. I think maybe 5 days TOPS. I did 3 days.
And there VERY calm and great snakes. There pretty jummpy though when you get near there head. But Hugh (my BP) is no longer head shy at all! I workerd with him on that and now he has no probs. Good Luck!

[stkkts]

I would wait 3 days after the second feeding before handling it.

As far as being head shy, mine is head shy initially, but after I have had him out for a few minutes he doesnt mind me at all, even if I touch his head. But he is getting old (at least 6 years old) So he is very accustomed to being handled.

[Solid Snake]

blah, the wait for that long to me is bs, i've owned 3 BPs and i've never waited more than 4 days for them to eat.

i think u just need temps right and a hide for them to settle qquicker.

[Invictus]

Originally posted by killaclown
LOL BALLS ARE THE 3RD NICES SNAKES NEXT TO CORNS AND ROSYS. imao

Don't forget Kenyans. Those are even nicer than Rosys. I guess that would put BPs at #4. :)

[Linds]

Originally posted by killaclown
LOL BALLS ARE THE 3RD NICES SNAKES NEXT TO CORNS AND ROSYS. imao

LOL... balls are less likely to bite compared to rosy boas and corns. Hehehe... actually crazy corns aren't uncommon :p Most species of snakes first line of defense when cornered is to bite, while a balls first line of defense is to ball up. Biting is usually a last resort by an extremely threatened ball, so even a very frightened adult will probably just sit there and not move :p

[Bartman]

I finially got to handle my little guy. I waited a week just to let him settle in and i picked him up out the tank with no problems. After a minute or two after holding him he decided to MOVE around my arm :p he was solid still at first but than he was gliding everywhere none stop. I managed to shoot of this pic on my webcam before he started moving but ill try to get some better pics soon!

http://community.webshots.com/s/image7/6/81/20/90368120MnsHTP_ph.jpg

[Bartman]

[img]http://community.webshots.com/s/image7/6/81/20/90368120MnsHTP_ph.jpg[img/]

[Bartman]

damn just go to this link!

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=90181734&photoID=90368120&security=MnsHTP

[Kappa]

Balls are definately one of the nicer snakes out there, personally i wait 4 feedings before handling my guys and they do great, congrats on the new addition and keep us posted on how he does.

[jparker1167]

i have 3 bp and the one i got first doesn't mind having its head touched but the other two i got off of my brother's friends and they would pull away if u touched their heads but dont seem to be as scared now