Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Some places i read that after a while you can handle your ball python for a few minutes once a week and other places say that you should hold them once a day to get them used to you.

I got a new ball python at the snake show about a week ago. She is about 3 months old the breeder said. I have been holding her a little bit every day (at night) and she is just as scared as the day i brought her home.

I also have 2 corn snakes. I got them at about 6 months old. They were a little timid at first but warmed right up to me. And they crawled around their tank at night even when i first got them.

But my ball doesnt do that. She crawled around her tank some when i put her in it the first time but now she just stays in her hide box the whole time (when i am looking that is, i guess).

Are balls just more shy than corns or something? Should i give her some space and not handle her for a couple weeks or something? I got her a fair sided tank and have been keeping the temp from 80-90 (one side 80 other 90) and i keep the humidity around 60-70% (gonna bump it up 10% or so when she start to shed).

Or should i just keep on holding her a little every night? I just let her sit in my hand and she trys to stay still as a brick.

both of my balls warmed right up to me the first time i picked them up and i hold all of my snakes constantly they are very docile so i thin the more you hold them the better. my snakes even tolerate a bunch of little kids touching them and petting them, they have never biten anybody but one gets cranky and strikes at poeple during shed
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jake

my addiction:
2 normal ball pythons (lazlo and izzy)
1 amelenistic corn snake (mazy)

I'm in Australia and so consequently have never kept ball pythons. But, a few things are synonymous to all snakes...

Firstly, of shedding -

It is damaging to the snake to handle it. The old skin has separated from the new skin, and become stiff and rigid. The snake cannot therefore stretch or move as it wishes. As the old skin doesn't stretch, it is also damaging to feed a snake around shedding time.

As the eyecaps separate, a thin layer of mucus forms, blinding the snake virtually completely. The snake is nervous because it's ability to see has been reduced furthermore. It is irresponsible to handle a snake in slough at all times, especially around small children.

The fresh scales underneath haven't 'hardened' or 'weathered in'. They are easily damaged by handling and can be torn, leaving scarring.

Secondly, of habitualisation -

Whilst I understand that snakes can learn who their keeper is, and furthermore become comfortable with the presence of a keeper, I doubt that your pythons 'warmed' up to you the second they layed eyes on you. To the original poster... this is going to take more than a week.

both of my balls warmed right up to me the first time i picked them up and i hold all of my snakes constantly they are very docile so i thin the more you hold them the better. my snakes even tolerate a bunch of little kids touching them and petting them, they have never biten anybody but one gets cranky and strikes at poeple during shed

To the original poster - handling for 15 mins every two to three days is adequate for now. Handling less may mean the snake will not become comfortable. Handling more may stress the snake, causing it to refuse to feed, be more likely to strike, etc.

My statements are subject to clarification as, like i said, i've never kept ball pythons. Just wanted to correct a few things said in reply.

Cheers,
Aaron.
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Happy Herping

if you thought i meant i held them during the sheding part of the shed you misunderstood me i meant hes cranky from a few days before his colors change till after he sheds, i only handle them untill thier eyes get cloudy

and by "warmed right up" i meant that they werent shy and didnt require any time alone, and i fed all of my snakes only a week after getting them. and my hatchling ball python actually seems friendly, she nevers slithers away from poeple, not shy at all,seems to like being handled and when you put her with another snake on the floor she follows the other snake around and wont leave its side.

im not sure if shes actually friendly but shes really cute and alot of poeple cant help but get attached to her
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jake

my addiction:
2 normal ball pythons (lazlo and izzy)
1 amelenistic corn snake (mazy)

I would give her a week or so to feel more secure, let her hide as much as she wants.And dont touch, it is very hard not to.I have a shy bp, Ive had him 3yrs now.He is a great pet but loves to hide most the time even now.When I picked him up he would stay in a ball until I would get tired of it then I would force him to open up..Now he always crawls around and seems rather happy but even now he is still a bit headshy...He loves to get in my shirt and get cosy or just hang around my neck.

Im positive he was a wild caught when I got him, he even had mites but he is one of my favorites snakes anyway..not as active as my cornsnakes, nor as brave but still a favorite.
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