Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a yearling ball python about a week ago. He wuznt handled much at all since it came from a ball python breeder. Ive only been handling him for maybe the past 3 days or so. He popped me 3 times today and musta struck at least 10. Each time my hand goes in from of his face he strikes at it. After gettin sick of missing any time i would go to pick him up hed turn to strike, then began hissing, is this just beginners handling syndrome? or an aggresive python???

1. Has he eaten yet? If so, how long ago and what quantity and rodent type?
2. Have you tried approaching him from the rear and gently touch him before lifting him up?

I never approach my snakes directly head on when lifting them from their living quarters. My snakes are use to me touching their heads as I do this each and every time I handle them.

Try approaching from the rear/side and see if you get the same reaction from the snake.

Not a handling problem, the problem is that he hasn't had any time to get used to his surroundings before being pawed. Leave him alone for two weeks at least, no food, no touching, nothing. Then try feeding him, 3 days or so later, try to handle him. He's just nervous.

Hey bro,
I've had balls from a breeder that really doesn't play with them. Just has too many snakes to care for to play with all of them. If you just got him like a few days ago stop playing with him. Give him a good week or two to settle into his new home. He's already stressed being in a new environment so your massive heated arms trying to grab him won't help your situation. Now here's what I would do to get them use to me. Open the cage & just try gently petting the snake on the lower third of its body. I know it sounds silly but while doing this I always speak in a very calm relaxed voice (it just seems natural to try & calm it with my voice as well..lol). I do this for like ten minutes daily for a week or two. After that start picking it up. Always lift from the lower third & middle of the snakes. Grabbing byt the head or near it will freak it out. Balls tend to be very head shy. Pick it up & when you're holding it leave your fingers spread apart so it will slither between your fingers. This will help get rid of the head shy thing. If he's in between fingers & starts backing out slowly close your fingers alittle so the head keeps having contact with your fingers. Also hold it in one hand & keep the other had in its site & a little lower than the other so he'll try to climb onto that hand. After awhile you can get the snake to go in any direction you want with that hand ladder method. Sorry it's long but I hope I helped..lol

Having had the pleasure of knowing several "fiesty" BPs, I can give you some advice. When you pick them up, never get "all up in their face" with your hand. Approach and pickup gently, on the side of the snake where the face is not facing. let the snake gradually shift its weight onto your hands. Grabbing for the head or putting your fingers in its face will only earn your hand a nice impression of your snakes dentition.
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And humans are supposed to be the world's most intelligent, civilized, and refined species, eh? Have you ever been in a crowded discount store?