Reptile & Amphibian Forums

G'day

I got a ball python a few months ago, and he's really agressive. He's healthy and happy, but as soon as you stick your hand in the cage, he goes crazy. I havent been bitten yet (i'm actually kind of freaked, even though he's small, he's really fast and it's kinda scary) and i don't really want to, so I have 2 questions:
1) What does a BP bite feel like? Does it hurt or is it really nothing to worry about?

2) Do you guys have any handling techinques that might stop it biting, or that are easier on the snake?

Thanks in advanced, jack

Lurking around my local pet stores, reading and working with a museums docile gopher and kingsnakes is the limit of my experience but maybe I can still help.
1. Severity of bites- I've never been bitten, but have seen people bitten (one person with a baby JCP just laughed). Snake teeth on little snakes are just little pinprick needles. (with larger snakes they're larger needles, respectively) With a semi-small snake like yours, the fear of being bitten is probably worse than anything the snake can deal out. Still I can see how it would be scary as hell.
2. For taming down your little brat, this might work... Once a day for no more than five minutes (to avoid overly stressing him) take your little guy out using thick soft leather gloves. Use slow steady delibrerate quiet movements and put him away as soon as he stops freaking but not before. (if you put him away before, he'll just learn to freak to be left alone)You can set aside the gloves when he stops consistently chomping them. (if by any chance he bites you and absolutely refuses to let go, I've heard that a taste of alcohol or vinegar water will persuade him to seek easier prey.)
Hope this helps, I've probably left a few things out thus the title of this subject, and good luck.

1. Severity of bites- Bites are nothing to be honest. I actually like the fiesty ones! I have a 4 1/2ft proven breed female that is said to come out of the cage trying to get you! I can't wait to get her. A friend of mine has a w.c. female that will tag you everytime you get close. Call me crazy but she tagged me 26 times while I looked her over. No big deal, didn't bother me at all. If you don't know the bite is comming you may jump. I expected everyone. Anything up to 6 I don't mind being bitten by to much (non-venomous of course!) I've even been tagged by full grown green tree pythons which was a let down as I kept hearing how bad of a bite it is. I haven't been tagged by an emerald (except babies) and that I will make an attempt to avoid!

2. For taming down your little brat, this might work... First off leave the animal alone completely for about 2-3 weeks. Is it new? Let it get used to it's new environment. Get it feeding 2-3 times before you begin to handle it. Once you have done this begine by slowly sliding your hands in behind the animal. Scoop him/her up. I have alot of success with keeping aggressive animals out of the Strike posture. Try and keep the animal moving. I have heard but never tried placeing something you've warn all day like a hat or shirt in with the animal so it gets used to your sent. Anyways good luck if you have any questions feel free to post them.
-----
John Light
Pristine Pythons
ristinePythons@Hotmail.com" target="_blank">Contact Me