I think most snakes are head shy as an instinctive self-preservation response. They see us as potential preditors initially. Quick movement straight on towards the head is an aggressive move on our part and when the snakes senses this, the fight or flight response takes over. This would also apply to constraining the snake near its head. They are just protecting themselves from perceived aggression.

My ball python was also head shy at first. I agree with the other posts on how to desensitize the snake from being head shy. What I did was to approached slowly from behind the head and touched the top of its head. The snake will become accustomed to this and lose some of its nervousness. It's a desensitzation process so be patient.

[ Show Entire Thread ]