Handling

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

Not that I plan on handling yet, bbut how will I know when she comfortable when being handled. She was moving slot when I handled her before I got her, I took it as her being afraid. She was neglected before with handling, so I'm tryna show her love

[alessia55]

I made this video last year for a member who was unsure of how to read their ball python's behavior and how to pick them up. Maybe it'll help you too! :)

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Be confident in your movements. Snakes can sense your hesitation and get nervous with you! So the more confident you are, the more relaxed your snake will be. It's all about slow, confident, smooth movements. Eventually you'll get to know each other well and you'll wonder why you ever worried ;)

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

Thanks and alessia can I send ma pics to ya email and you put em up, cuz I don't have a compute r, jus a phone

[alessia55]

Thanks and alessia can I send ma pics to ya email and you put em up, cuz I don't have a compute r, jus a phone

Yup! PM sent

[mattchibi]

My general rule for handling is I usually wont handle a ball python until it has eaten at least twice for me, for two consecutive feedings. As for how to read your ball python: a relaxed ball python will not be very reactive to your touch and probably wont be following your every movement. A relaxed ball python should be flickering its tongue long and at a consistent rate (normally, you would see them flicker their tongue every 2-3 seconds while moving their head around). This means that it is just taking in particals in the air and "processing" them, because he is wondering what is going on. Healthy tongue flickering is usually a good sign that they come in peace.

You can tell when a ball python is acting agressive a few ways. 1) It will be very reactive to your touch. It will likely tense up and try to slither away when you try to touch it. 2) It will most probably hiss. Some snakes hiss really loud and others very soft. Dont be scared though, it is just trying to trick you into thinking it is dangerous and shouldnt be messed with. 3) Most agressive hatchlings I've dealt with would usually follow my every movement once I pulled their tubs out to try and handle. They will tend to form an "S" with their head/neck, as if ready to strike. But usually they tend to grow out of this agressive behaviour after a few short handling sessions.

Remember to keep your first few handling sessions short (5-10 minutes) and as you come to know your ball python better and it is feeding more and more, you can extend this time period to about 30-60 minutes. Good luck! I remember how exciting it was for me to get my first ball python. After no time at all, all of this stuff will be second nature to you :)