How to read python body launguage [Archive]

View Full Version : How to read python body launguage

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 08:00 PM

KORBIN5895

11-23-11, 08:17 PM

Honestly all I can say is keep at it but for short periods. Also remember the worst that can happen is she will bite you...... that's not a real big deal. It has happened to most of us.

alessia55

11-23-11, 08:18 PM

Since she's new, she might just need time to settle in more before she's comfortable being picked up and handled. Some snakes take longer than others to adjust to a new home.

Body language:
Put your hand into her enclosure slowly. Don't move too fast or she may get frightened. If she's under her hide when you're trying to take her out, you may want to wait until she's out and about. Otherwise, you can remove the hide, and give her a moment. Then slowly reach in and stroke her so she knows you're there and that you're not going to harm her. If you're calm and relaxed, she's more likely to be relaxed too. Go in there with the mindset that you can do this. Don't make hesitant moves. Remember, she's probably still getting used to the sight and smell of you. When she's tense, you'll probably be able to see that she's in a tighter position, and if you watch her enough, you might be able to tell when her muscles are tightened. Go at a pace that you're comfortable. Maybe the first few attempts are just petting her but not picking her up. Slowly build up your confidence to pick her up. She'll probably appreciate the slow pace too :) . Do you have other friends that have ball pythons? It might help if you work with a friend who has more experience, and who can let you hold his/her ball pythons that are used to handling, so that you can get more comfortable. I hope this helps a bit! Good luck!

red ink

11-23-11, 08:25 PM

As far as "reading" the snake is concerned. There is one thing you need to be watching out for..... ecessive toungue flicking. If their "tasting the air" way to much (specially if they don't even pull their toungues back in full too often) you don't want to be "forcing the issue". It's a sure sign of an uneasy serpent... (there's a distinct possibility blood will follow - most likey yours not theirs ;) ).

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 08:25 PM

For the most part your personal confidence has little to do it with. First you need to learn how that specific snake reacts to specific actions then move from there. I've got a calm female retic, I always go in on the first 1/3 and pick her up.
The male is cage DEFENSIVE (there are very few true cases of cage aggressive snakes) (hook training only works on feed responses, and will do nothing but annoy a cage defensive animal) I go in with one hand to keep his attention, then pick him up with the other from behind where he can't instantly strike, if I just touch that spot he will strike but the second he passes the threshold of his enclosure he calms down, so I pick him up from behind and raise his body above the exposed part of my hand so he can't strike at it, then raise him calmly and gently. I'll attach a video in a bit.

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 08:32 PM

She doesn't ever leave her hide. unless she does it when im sleeping but legitimately she never comes out unless i coax her. Those photos are from the first day when i felt really comfortable with her. The next day she struck at my GF at feeding time by my own mistake i heated up the rat before hand and had it already in the bin waiting for her so im guessing she smelt it.

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 08:40 PM

alessia55

11-23-11, 08:48 PM

Hey! I made this video about 10mins ago for you. Maybe it can help a little :)

cp1Wq7T-Nnc

PS: :eek: I think this is the first time ya'll are hearing what I sound like! hehe

shaunyboy

11-23-11, 08:48 PM

I'm completely new to snakes and ill admit i am a bit frightened.I fed my python on Sunday for the first time i really wanted to handle her today but she just isn't having it. i think she can tell im hesitant she jerks her body towards my hand when i gently pet her and try to slide my hand under her
(mid body) this immediately frightens me and i pull my hand away sometimes to fast even for my own liking i know this is wrong but why is she doing this and how can i get more comfortable with her. I just cant read her body laungauge and tell when shes happy or not. i really want to handle her i dont want her to turn please any tips on body laungauge, handling or becoming more comfortable with her would be greatly appreicated

Here is some pics from a thread i made yesterday

ImageShack Album - 3 images (http://imageshack.us/g/171/img0018pj.jpg/)

i'm not being cheeky mate

you need to be more firm with the python when you pick it up.when your gentley trying to slide your hands underneath it,your creating an unstable surface for the snake.this will make it nervous and stress it out

imo they much preffer a good solid grip when being lifted,all the time using your other hand/arm to support its body wieght

your correct in thinking the snake will be picking up on your hesitation,i have found this behavoir to make carpet python hatchlings defensively bite.

also pulling/jerking your hand away from her quickely will startle her and make her very nervous

the good thing is you have already begun to read body language,you have idenyified what some of your actions do to the snake and vice versa

in time you will learn to relax

being bit is not sore,it happens that quick you only feel the thump of the snakes head hitting you

the sooner you calm down and show your confidence,the sooner the snake should settle down

in time you will be able to read all the snakes you keep.it comes with working with them

all the best shaun

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 08:54 PM

How you act and react with each animal is different. With my male, I KNOW that hes going to bite so when I'm in range and he strikes I pull back just enough that he misses me then I go right back in so he knows I'm not backing down.
With my female I know she isn't going to bite but I still won't give her the chance to.

Even if its a baby corn snake, letting yourself get bit isn't just painful for you, its potentially painful for them, especially if you jerk back and break a few teeth.

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 08:57 PM

VEpIzog4MVY

-mj7BDjBcSk

lady_bug87

11-23-11, 08:59 PM

just keep at it slowly

I was so scared when I got my BP it tool a while to get used to handling him try to stay calm and Alessia gave you some really good advice. Just go slow and if you dont feel comfortable taking her out just put the hide back in and try again

Just try not to shy away from her because the more you do shes going to keep striking so you leave her alone

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 08:59 PM

I hated having my mug on video there, I hate this beard :P

youngster

11-23-11, 09:00 PM

I hate you Stephan...
you have a GoPro :eek::Wow:

alessia55

11-23-11, 09:00 PM

Stephan I totally thought your babies were bigger than that! :eek: Or is that just an old video??

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 09:03 PM

I hate you Stephan...
you have a GoPro :eek::Wow:
It was an awesome investment :P
Stephan I totally thought your babies were bigger than that! :eek: Or is that just an old video??
New video taking 10 mins ago. They may look small but watch em stretch out... DAMN the female is big, male is still tiny :P I'll get you guys weights and measurements once I get my scale back and get the time :P

alessia55

11-23-11, 09:05 PM

It was an awesome investment :P

New video taking 10 mins ago. They may look small but watch em stretch out... DAMN the female is big, male is still tiny :P I'll get you guys weights and measurements once I get my scale back and get the time :P

...is that their full size? As in, is that their adult size? Or will they get bigger?
(sorry I'm hijacking this thread for a short moment)

Dstrong1337, I hope some of these pieces of advice helping you get a better picture of ball python behavior! :)

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 09:09 PM

...is that their full size? As in, is that their adult size? Or will they get bigger?
(sorry I'm hijacking this thread for a short moment)

Dstrong1337, I hope some of these pieces of advice helping you get a better picture of ball python behavior! :)
Female is about 6 feet, I'm assuming she should max at 19 feet based on her parents, dad was big at about 16 and mom was about 18
I won't let the male grow much past 12 feet, the smaller males are generally more aggressive breeders, and hey, if you are lifting him every 3 days and moving him cage to cage, you don't want a big heavy one who can kick you're hiney.

Kayla90

11-23-11, 09:21 PM

But honestly please help with the jerking motion i just dont understand it its almost like a puffing up or her just throwing her weight were my hand is it scares me a bit and i just leave her i haven't successfully gotten her out today

BAhahah Oh gosh my little water snake does this to me ALL the time .. but he does it when I stroke my hand down him. This little guy has bitten me once since I've had him and that was the very first day.. (He also happens to be wild caught, so he was pretty defensive at the time..) My little guy is the biggest sweet heart ever, he's just bucking your hand away cause it annoys him.. if you pick him up he should stop.. Even Stephs big female bucks at the rats when she isn't hungry anymore.. I on't think it's something to be scared of, so if you can look past that fear just a little and pick her up.

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 09:22 PM

Wow thank you all you are so helpful!!! you all make it seem so easy i hope i can get that confident

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 09:23 PM

I think i might get some utility gloves and a sweater and just go at it tomorrow i hope the gloves dont freak her out

alessia55

11-23-11, 09:25 PM

We are happy to help! :D Gloves and long-sleeves are totally OK if that's what you need to do to get more comfortable. Just take the advice you've been given and put it into action. You'll do fine ;) Let us know how it goes!

Dstrong1337

11-23-11, 09:28 PM

I read somewhere else about putting some of your clothing in their so she will get used to your scent if its a good idea im going to put a t-shirt in there ive been wearing

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 09:28 PM

I think i might get some utility gloves and a sweater and just go at it tomorrow i hope the gloves dont freak her out
Keep mind mind, its WAY easier for teeth to pull OUT of flesh then out of a glove, so its much easier to rip out teeth if you are wearing gloves.
You also get slightly less control.

stephanbakir

11-23-11, 09:29 PM

I read somewhere else about putting some of your clothing in their so she will get used to your scent if its a good idea im going to put a t-shirt in there ive been wearing
I've heard of this, but I've done a few tests (not large scale so they can only be taken as observation, not fact) but nothing really changed.

youngster

11-23-11, 09:47 PM

It was an awesome investment :P

I believe it.
I'm hoping my parents will go all out and get me the new Hero 2 for Christmas :)

shaunyboy

11-23-11, 11:02 PM

I think i might get some utility gloves and a sweater and just go at it tomorrow i hope the gloves dont freak her out

i find soft leather driving gloves or soft leather ladies gloves are less clumsy when handling.also i feel its not so rough on the snake,since they're made of really soft thin leather

cheers shau,

shaunyboy

11-23-11, 11:15 PM

But honestly please help with the jerking motion i just dont understand it its almost like a puffing up or her just throwing her weight were my hand is it scares me a bit and i just leave her i haven't successfully gotten her out today

by leaving the snake everytime it has a go at you,you are learning it,that if it lashes out at you,then you will leave it alone

you need to walk straight up to its tank,in a way its see's you coming so you don't startle it,then in one slow steady firm movement pick the snake up and take it out

cheers shaun

TeaNinja

11-24-11, 04:13 AM

go pros are sweet. my friend uses one while he motorcycles constantly.

Lankyrob

11-24-11, 06:46 AM

Kiljosh

11-24-11, 09:19 AM

Firm, and confident all the way - if the snake knows you are scared then it will react to it - use soft gloves if it makes your actions more confident, after a few times you will be fine to do it without.

I always try to come toward my snakes at ground level rather than having my hand hovering above them (it looks like a big bird swooping in on them) and to pick them up in one single movement wherever possible.

Yes same, I always come from the side. I have also tried to get in a routine when I remove him from the tank. If he's in his hide I lightly tap it a couple times to wake him up, I've gotten in the habit of doing this everytime I go in there hoping maybe he will learn that if he hears the taps he knows it's me and won't bite. But Stubbs is very gentle and has only ever hissed at me when I tugged on a mouse he was having trouble swallowing!

infernalis

11-24-11, 09:30 AM

Read this!!!.......

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/PG1/images/1strike.jpg

stephanbakir

11-24-11, 09:35 AM

Stunning pic, looks like a yawn :)

infernalis

11-24-11, 10:01 AM

Stunning pic, looks like a yawn :)

So you CAN read body language. ;)

Spot on observation. He was yawning, no threat at all taking that pic.

I have been asked before if he swallowed the camera.

stephanbakir

11-24-11, 10:05 AM

His body isn't tense/rigid at all, hes a cutie. What is the black spot in his mouth btw?
The retic photo is also a yawn (not my animals)

Jay

11-24-11, 10:11 AM

Don't hesitate..

Kayla90

11-24-11, 10:13 AM

That cobra picture is a defensive mommy :P

KORBIN5895

11-24-11, 10:14 AM

Dang I thought it was puking on you.

Jay

11-24-11, 10:15 AM

Or singing opera:p

stephanbakir

11-24-11, 10:16 AM

That cobra picture is a defensive mommy :P
Lies, she just needs a hug after a long night.:yes:

Jay

11-24-11, 10:19 AM

Read this!!!.......

http://www.danceswithreptiles.com/PG1/images/1strike.jpg

"Call J.G. Wentworth
877 CASH NOW
877 CASH NOW "

Dstrong1337

11-24-11, 10:47 AM

"Call J.G. Wentworth
877 CASH NOW
877 CASH NOW "

Ahahahahahahaha this is too good all she needs is a viking helmet.

infernalis

11-24-11, 11:22 AM

His body isn't tense/rigid at all, hes a cutie. What is the black spot in his mouth btw?
The retic photo is also a yawn (not my animals)

A turd from the rat he just ate prior to taking the picture.

lady_bug87

11-24-11, 11:23 AM

^^ ahahaha gross.

KORBIN5895

11-24-11, 12:09 PM

Yummy! Rat!!!!!........poop??????? What the?

stephanbakir

11-24-11, 11:17 PM

A turd from the rat he just ate prior to taking the picture.
Awesome, see that allot but I normally flick em off with the tongs :P

Kayla90

11-25-11, 12:34 AM

Yummy! Rat!!!!!........poop??????? What the?

"Ahhh come on, what a rip off! I don't want no poop in my mouth! Give me another rat.. (Opens mouth wide)"