Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just got my son a Ball Python for his 14th birthday. He REALLY wanted it. We did a lot of research online, and it seemed a good option.

We read alot about care, and it appears it's important (or at least valuable) to handle the snake a bit daily.

So, my question is this: Does the snake actually get to know and like you? Or, does it just get used to handling?

In other words, if one person gently handles the snake every day for a year and another doesn't, would the snake treat the first person differently than the second? Does it actually feel safer (fondly?) around the one that's been handling it?

Or, is it really unaware of the person, and just more likely to get comfortable being handled by anyone?

Thanks for your help?

Some of mine will come to the front of their hide box for food....
Also they will let YOU pick them up cause I belive they know YOU will not hurt them! JMHO
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RicK @ BbI

Ball Boutique,Inc.
Proud sponsor of this forum

So, have you specifically noticed that your BP will allow you to handle it yet be more cautious and/or agressive around a stranger who also handles it carefully?

Just a note on handling the snake everyday..... Not a good idea to handle it the day after it eats. I usually don't handle any of mine until two to three full days after they have eaten. A regurgitated rodent is not pleasent site... not to mention, the smell.

Eric

I'm not sure if they recognize people, but they can definitely tell the difference between someone who is comfortable handling them and someone who is a little nervous. However, I don't think this will cause any aggression, they will just try to get away the whole time you are handling them if they feel something not quite right.

If you are going to handle them everyday, make sure you are not overstressing the snake. If it stops eating, stop handling it for a week. I have never had a problem with a regurgitated rodent, but it your ball is the really nervous type it could happen if you handle right after feeding, so be more cautious about handling. In general, once the snake becomes used to being handled, you do not need to do so every day, a couple times per week is sufficient to keep it "tame".

I agree with rwoodyer. I don't have any BPs YET, but all my other reptiles SEEM to be more relaxed when handled by someone who knows how, vs. someone who doesn't.

Can they recognize people? Sometimes I really think they can. When ever I approach any of my animals, they come toward me (they SEEM to assocate ME with food). I don't see the same response when others approach.

This is moving off topic of (BPs), but I did a little experiment with my Tegus. Once or twice a week, I let them out in the room to explore. I sit on the floor, and they will climb up into my lap and relax. One day I tried this with a friend of mine. We both sat on the floor, the tegus walked around, checked out my buddy, then came over to my lap. Maybe it's visual, maybe it's sent, maybe it's all in my head, but I'd like to think they CAN recognize ME.

Maybe I should have posted this on the Tegu Forum, i just wanted to share. I cant wait to get my first BP! SOON!
Thanks, Ken

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1.1 Jacksons (no names yet)
1.1 Argentine B/W Tegus (Draco and Drucilla)
0.1 Columbian B/W Tegu (Diablo)
2.0 Black Throat Monitors (Razor and Spike)
1.0 Desert Tortoise (Tubbs) from Tortoise Rescue
1.0 Boxer (Shadow)
0.1 Feline (CK)

I think you've gotten some good imput here so I'll try not to repeat too much of whats been said. I'm a little concerned about how much handling your snake is getting. I think it's important to understand that snakes don't particularly like being held, 2-3 times a week is more than enough handling. Aside from the stress that occurs during handling, I've also heard that it causes strain on their stomachs. You should wait at least 24 hours after you've fed the snake to hold it (wait until the bulge is gone from his stomach).

As far as recognition goes, I do think there is some. My boyfriend had this "stupid snake trick" he used to do with my snake (to impress our guests, LOL). He'd take the snake out of the cage and put it on the floor. No matter where I was in the room, or how many people were in the room my snake would always crawl to me. Whether it knew my scent, I gave off good heat, or what, I don't know, but I think there is some recognition on some level going on.

Hope this helps.
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Tosha

3.5.0 Ball Python (Harry and Fluffy and currently un-named)
0.1.0 Siberian Husky (Kita)
0.2.0 Feline (Pippen and Pandora)
0.0.1 Dessert Tortoise (Pope)
5.4.2 Fish (1,2,3,4...)
0.0.1 Frog rescued from pool skimmer
0.0.2 Lizards rescued from pool skimmer