what the fu@#

[DeesBalls]

omg so i just got a fear of picking up my BP. im just scared she is going to turn and bite me! why would i just now be like this? lol ive picked her up at least 100 times since ive had her lol

[Will0W783]

If you've never been bitten, I can see being a bit afraid of it. But you cannot neglect your snake just because you are suddenly afraid of it. The best thing you can do is to handle your BP frequently (i.e. daily) so that you both get used to it. BPs are known for being very docile- that being said, many of us have been bitten by one. If you keep snakes, most probably you WILL get bitten at some point, whether you startle a sleeping snake or the snake mistakes you for food. It is part of keeping snakes; you have to get used to the idea. I've been tagged a few times by different snakes, and I can tell you that I am a lot less afraid of it now that I've gotten nailed. The anticipation is far worse than the reality of it. But you must work through this fear if you are to keep snakes, otherwise it isn't fair to either of you. Best of luck.

[DeesBalls]

its not like im scared of him, its just like picking him up once i get him up im fine lol its weird.. i think its just going to be a lil phase i got em up this morning w/ no problem.. thanks though:)

[mykee]

"The best thing you can do is to handle your BP frequently (i.e. daily) so that you both get used to it."
Of other snakes, I might tend to agreee with you, but with reference to ball pythons, you are WROOOOONG! Handling your ball python daily will stress it out to the point that it may go off food. If you're new; this is bad. Limit your handling to maybe 20 -30 minutes a week. If you MUST handle your snake more, find your ball python a good home and buy a corn snake.

[Will0W783]

Oh wow. Thanks Mykee, I didn't realize this. I thought BPs were OK to be handled daily. I don't handle mine every day, simply because I have a lot of snakes and handle each one only two-three times a week.

[gonesnakee]

If one is afraid to be bitten by their pet snakes, one should reconsider a snake as a pet.
As for taking it out at first I suggest "hook training" though its not something usually required for BPs. Also your disposition WILL determine its disposition ;) What that means is if you act all nervous & scared it will make the snake that way or make the snake possibly consider you as prey rather than a possible threat or "nothing". Afterall "why" in a snakes mind would anything BUT potential prey be scared of it ;) Mark
edit - also using different "characters" to swear in the thread title is not appropriate for a family forum. You still have a lot to learn about not just snakes but proper forum behaviour as well ;)

[mykee]

Oh wow. Thanks Mykee, I didn't realize this. I thought BPs were OK to be handled daily. I don't handle mine every day, simply because I have a lot of snakes and handle each one only two-three times a week.
ANY ball python book (that you didn't buy prior to the snake) would have stated this in the first ten pages. I would strongly suggest a book on the captive husbandry of ball pythons. It's good to know what you're getting into BEFORE you get into.

[Will0W783]

I do have a python book and a boa book. I did research before getting the snake, but honestly hadn't heard that about ball pythons. I have heard that they are one of the most docile, easy-going snakes. I only mentioned that as a way for Lil Boa to get over his trepidation at holding the snake. It was stupid of me to suggest something that could stress the snake, I'm sorry. Please don't think less of me, I really like this forum and don't want to get on anyone's bad side :(

[GoodSmeagol]

If one is afraid to be bitten by their pet snakes, one should reconsider a snake as a pet.
As for taking it out at first I suggest "hook training" though its not something usually required for BPs. Also your disposition WILL determine its disposition ;) What that means is if you act all nervous & scared it will make the snake that way or make the snake possibly consider you as prey rather than a possible threat or "nothing". Afterall "why" in a snakes mind would anything BUT potential prey be scared of it ;) Mark
edit - also using different "characters" to swear in the thread title is not appropriate for a family forum. You still have a lot to learn about not just snakes but proper forum behaviour as well ;)


Agreed intentional fluid motions, never disturb my snakes mood.
Jerky uneasy movements, always result in a defensive pose.
Same as humans, confidence while approaching some one to have a conversation, will put the resipient at ease, if you appear nervous or anxious, the other person will start to consider, should I be nervous too?

[ineedsoap16]

Some may disagree with this but main interaction with snakes was before I was allowed to keep one. It was with wil specimens. Mostly garter, rat, hognose, racer, water and copperheads. With the exceptions of racers and copperhead, most snakes will not attack if you are in control and move in a fashion that treats the snake like a stick with a respected sharp end. I did not molest snakes growning up just caught and studied and released.

Am I so wrong with this thought process in picking up a snake?

[gonesnakee]

Best bet is to let the snake think that its in control & act like a tree so to speak. Slow methodical movements are always best. Panicky type movements result in getting tagged, Mark