Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had my 2 ball pythons for about a year. When I first got them I held them almost everyday. Lately I just don't have that much time, so for the past few months I only take them out once a week when its feeding time. One of my snakes is a verotious feeder, and a few weeks ago it bit me while feeding. I did have my hands washed, but it still went for my hand. I guess now I am a bit timid to hold them. What do you recomend as far as handling any snakes for tameness. Do they get more fearfull with lack of handling? I tried holding them for a few minutes each last night but I still worried a bit every time they moved. They got so big sinse I remember. Thanks for any advise, Dave.

my snake was like that as well for the same reasons. You can't just handle them when ur feeding them other wise they associate you opening the cage with feeding. wich leads them to bitting you. When it bit you it was because you were warmer than the mouse you were feeding it. just use some tongs and that won't happen again. as far as handle'n them. Do it everyday except for feed day and 2 days after. I asked the same Q's as you and people told me to touch his head alot and that seemed to work. bear in mind you may get bitten a few times before its all said and done. Mine is tame as can be now and it only took about 3 weeks and getting bitten about 5 or 6 times
anyways
goodluck and don't be afraid of the snake cause getting bitten doesn't even hurt so who cares!

Long sleeves and gloves. Just until you get over your "fear" and intimadation.

The reaction you felt (getting bit) was a feeding response to the first warm thing that was near enough to bite (your hand).B/ps are probably the only snake i know of that unless severely provoked or w/c dont have a mean bone in their bodies.They are the more laid back of the snake kingdom and really could care less what goes on around them with the exception of feeding time.To prevent this from happening in the future get a hook and get him/her out with it when feeding.If he/she isnt hungry then holding them shouldnt be a problem.I have 5 as of now and out of the five only one doesnt have a extreme feeding response.Gloves to me are a big no no.Use them if you like but snakes teeth and gloves dont mix well.If the teeth happen to get caught in the glove and get pulled out,broke off,etc then you have a greater risk of infection.Oh and dont give up when a snake bites,they will acknowledge it as being their way of not being handled and will eventually not like being handled at all.Hope that helps Bill McLeod

I understand your fear of being bitten again.
I was seriously injured by a large Reticulated Python about 11 years ago, and only for the past 2 yrs have I been able to handle them again. I regret fearing them for so long. I missed so many great experiences with them because of fear.
Balls are such incredible snakes too, I breed them. Please don't let one bad experience get you down. Put aside your fear and remeber that it was just a mistake on the snakes part thinking it was feeding time. It is nothing personal.
I have had this happen to me, but I always try to feed in a seperate container so the snakes do not expect food when you go to handle them.
I hope this helps.

It is NEVER the snakes fault in making a bad decision. It is purely the human's fault. The snake will react perfectly EVERY time to what it's nature tells it to do. I am not downing the owner in this. I am just stating the facts. I have been bitten before by a reticulated python. It was purely my error. If you don't follow certain rules and obey certain procautions then you are destined to get tagged. NEVER blame the snake. You create your animal. If it is not used to being held and then you try to feed it bare handed it goes by instinct.

Chris