Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Help! I got a ball python recently and when I first held him (not sure of actual gender) he seemed docile, just like any old ball python, but when I got him home, he took a snap at me. That's understandable, since I was moving him into a strange place he'd never seen. I have feed him, he eats very well, never misses a feeding, but he's super agressive. He snaps at me when I reach in to change his water and when I take him out to feed him. I don't know what to do.

I reach in an pet him, to try to get him used to me and interact with him every other day. His temperature right now is 82* and the humidity is at 64%, but that's because I just laid a new towel over it. He's in a 20 gallon tank, two hides at opposite ends and a water bowl in the middle. He gets fed every 5 days, 6 if he doesn't take it the first time (live fed. He won't take dead.)

If anyone at all could tell me how long it normally takes for them to get accustomed to you, if this is normal behavior, or what, that would be great.

first off, please try your best to get him switched to f/t. live mice and rats can destroy a snake. when i was a kid i saw it myself with my 2nd ball python.

now to your question. sometimes it just takes time. pull him out every 3-4 days and just let him sit in both of your hands for 10-15 minutes, if he strikes/bites, don't put him back, keep letting him sit there. once he can sit there for a while without striking then start moving him, switching hands, set him down and pick him back up... let him get use to movement.

also, if you pick him up and he's in a nasty mood, gently lay your entire hand on top of them... like sandwich him between your two hands for 20-30 seconds. sometimes "dominating" them will kinda snap them out of it.
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1.1 Argentine Boas
1.1 Dumerils Boas
1.1 Black Milk Snakes
2.3 California King Snakes
1.1 Nelsons Milk Snakes
2.2 Corn Snakes

Hi there,

By chance was the BP fed in his tank instead of a feeder box prior to you getting him?

I am not an expert, but that is sure what it sounds like to me.