Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This past saturday i bought a captive bred ball python. I left it alone sunday to let it get used to its new cage. Today it was time to feed it, and i was moving it to a rubbermaid to eat when I got startled and dropped it. It only fell about 4-5 inches, but its behavior has changed drastically. Whenever I walk in the room it immediately hides, and when I stick my hand in to make sure its not too hot it curls up and whips its tail and hisses. I'm afraid that I will never be able to gain its trust back, but is there any way that i can, even if it means leaving it alone for a while?

You need to leave it alone for at least a week. no handling at all. Then try and feed it. leave it alone again for two days after it eats. Then try handling it. the snake is scared. I have a few that hiss and they never bite. Honestly the bite is not bad.When approaching it take its hide off so it knows it is you and not food, Then pick it up, Hold it for a few minutes if it balls up then put it back and everytime hold it a little longer, in time it will be just fine.

Thnx, I was worried that it would be like that forever, and my mom is scared enuff of the snake as it is.