Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got 2 new ball pythons (1 male, 1 female), they are both very large and I would guess to be near 5 yrs or so. well I don't think they were handled much at all in the former home. the biggest 1 is a little jumpy to start with but calms down. the other one is very skiddish, if you just touch him he more of less jumps. I have been trying not to touch them so they can settle into there new home, but they both took a poo the other day so I had to take them out and clean the tank. anyone know the best way I can get him to calm down alittle (more handling...), I don't want to stress him out if touching him is such a problem.

If you just got them, I would let them settle in first. Less handling initially so that they can get established in their new enclosures. Handle as little as possible the first 3-4 weeks, then start handling every 3 days for about 15 minutes. Do this for about 2 weeks. Then 15 minutes every 2 days for 2 weeks. This is a desensitization process. Give it time. If they weren't handled much in their previous home then go slowly.

i agree with the other reply also what i tend to do is instead of picking them up, I open the draw (they are in freedom breeder racks) & i pet the snake for like 2 minutes a day so it gets use to being touched before i pick it up. then after a week or two of that it seems easier for me to pick up the new snake. just keep up with it & it should tame down just fine. i personally haven't heard of a ball that can't be tamed.

good luck