Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a new Ball Python who is very defensive... I'm trying to get him accustomed to being handled and was wondering if anyone had any guidelines for how often to handle him and for how long. I know it varies from snake to snake, but if anyone has any experience let me know.

how long have you had the snake...give him a couple of weeks to acclimate before you handle him much. after a couple weeks handle him often. what i do when i get a new one home is only move it when i have to clean. instead of picking him up right off the bat,i pet him a few minutes a day for like a week. then after that i hold em with my fingers open alot so he goes in between them. you want to get them use to being touched around the head. get him to climb from hand to hand this way his chin keeps coming in contact with your hand. you can basically just do whatever you want. just give him time to get use to his new home & eating regularly then hold him however you feel after ahile he'll warm up to you.