Handling your BP??

[CJN2216]

When you are handling your BP, I heard that they like to have there head stroked as well as the bottom of there jaw. Any truth to this? Do they also like constricting around your arm to feel your body heat?

[shimbathesnake]

I've found that they do not like having their heads Touched at all!

they will get used to it to some degree but i dont think they would ever enjoy it.


Mine dont anyway.

[Big Mike]

I've heard and found from my BP, they can be head shy.

It's hard to say what they "like" if they tolerate you doing it to them with no signs of stress then it's probably not doing any harm.

As far as touching the head, I read a post on another forum that said something like this...snakes have 3 things that stimulate them to bite food. Heat, movement and smell. Some will only need one or two of these. So by moving your warm finger in front of it's face you might be asking for a bite.

I don't think that snakes crave the attention and personal contact that dogs & cats do but they might appreciate the heat source along with the opportunity to explore a little. Watch for signs of stress when handling any snake, that is key. And have fun :)

[CJN2216]

What kind of stress signs should I be looking for?

[shimbathesnake]

Not eating will be one sign.

[Big Mike]

One of the coolest things about holding a snake is that you can usually tell it temperment / mood by the way it feel, moves etc.

If you are holding it and it is constantly trying to get away, forcing you to restrain it or redirect it, that would be a sign that it is not happy being held right then.

If it balls up or tries to hide itself, that's a sure sign that it's uncomfortable.

If it's moving around and flicking it's tounge but not trying to "get away" that is a sign that maybe it does not mind you holding it. It's just exploring.

I have found that some snakes will be aggitated when you pic them up but will calm down with the warmth of your hand. Balls are pretty good about being calm.

I hope this helps.

good luck

[Linds]

Ball Pythons are actually poor candidates for large amounts of handling due to their very timid nature. What people perceive to be friendly and relaxed is often the snake being quite defensive. The more defensive they are being, the quieter they will be and the less they will move. As for touching their heads, most balls are very head shy. As for clinging to your arm, they are most likely just holding on so they don't fall off, but also may be enjoying the heat if they are feeling cool.
Signs of stress include (but are not limited to) failure to feed and aggression.

[raebug2000]

also, if you go to pick up your BP and it hisses at you, thats usually a good sign that they dont want to be messed with right then and there.

[Zhakrin]

So what type of large snake is best for owner who like to handle thier snakes?

[Jeff_Favelle]

Columbian Boas. Waayyyyy less timid than a Ball Python. But keep in mind that they just TOLERATE handling. They don't necessarily like it. Don't put human qualities on an animal with completely different mechanisms for thinking and reacting. Bad thing to do.