Picking up a ball python seems like it would be a simple task to do, but if it’s your first time or it’s an aggressive snake, it can be challenging and nerve-racking.
In this post, I will show you how to pick up a ball python, the best way to handle a ball python, and when you should NEVER hold your ball python.
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How to pick up a ball python
- Make sure your ball python is calm.
A ball python shows they’re calm with their body language.
Signs of a calm ball python:
- focused on something other than your hand
- not in a striking position
- crawling around and smelling(flicking their tongues) their surroundings
- Grab the ball python mid-body
The mid-body of the ball python is the thickest part of the snake, so try to grab them in that area. Hold them firm enough to lift them up, but not too firm where they can’t escape your grip.
Use slow movements to avoid scaring them.
It’s easiest to grab your ball python when they are in a defensive ball since they can’t strike from that position.
Use both hands to support their body. Naturally, they’ll wrap around your arm to balance themselves.
- Make sure the snake’s body is supported
It’s normal for them to wrap around your arm or hand. This makes them feel secure.
Use your arms, hands, and body to keep them supported.
Once your ball python is comfortable with you holding them they will start to get curious and crawl in your arms. When that happens make sure to move your hands to support them.
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If you need to, gently guide their heads in the direction you’d like them to go, i.e. towards you, away from your face, etc.
Tips:
- Don’t make quick movements when picking them up.
- If they seem like they will strike, tap them on their head with a snake hook or paper towel roll. This will get them to protect their head or even ball up. If their head is hidden, you are less likely to get bitten.
- Use both hands when possible and it’s ok to hold them against your body for support.
Don’t hold your pet snake…
Ball pythons should only be handled when you and the snake are comfortable. Anytime you pick up a snake make sure its not:
After a meal
Ball pythons take about 4-5 days to digest their food completely, some even longer. After a meal, ball pythons feel vulnerable especially with a big lump in their stomach. For this reason, a ball python should never be picked up right after eating.
This may cause them to regurgitate their food(YUCK!)
A good rule is to allow them 1-2 days to digest before handling them after they’ve eaten.
During shed
Handling a ball python during a shed is ok but not ideal. As mentioned, they are vulnerable and a little blind during this time.
Handling them during the blue phase or white phase of their shed might make them shy away. It’s ok to handle them, but it could cause a lot of stress.
Can’t tell if your snake is in shed? CLICK HERE for more info
After you touch their food
All snakes need to eat, but they don’t have very good eyesight so they rely on smell, infrared sensors, and vibrations.
After you’ve held a mouse or any rodent and the scent is still on you, your ball python might think you are food and strike at you.
Wash your hands before handling your snake to avoid any confusion the snake might have. It removes any food scent you may have on your hands, and it will protect your snake from getting any sickness or disease.
When they feel threatened
Ball pythons don’t have many ways to defend themselves. They burrow in the wild which is why they’ll spend a lot of time in their hide in captivity.
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A ball python will feel threatened if you remove them from their hide or remove the hide suddenly. This might put them in a defensive state: ready to strike.
You’ll know a ball python is ready to strike when their head cocks back. They may flick their tongue quickly or not at all.
If your ball python is ready to strike, try to get them to calm down first. It may take some time, but eventually, your snake will get used to you picking them up. A simple tap on the head could snap them out of that state.
Now let’s get into actually picking them up
Products to help you handle your snake
Snake hook
Snake hooks are handy especially when you have a snippy ball python. If you need to move the snake and don’t want to get bit this can help create space between you and your snake while safely moving it around.
Gloves
Gloves are not required when handling your ball python, but it can provide an extra layer of security to help ease your nervousness until you get more confident in your pet.
What to do if you lose your snake
Conclusion
Picking up and handling your ball python is simple as long as you follow these tips and guidelines. Remember to make sure your ball python is ready to be held by paying attention to their behavior. Don’t be afraid to use tools to help you handle your snake for the first time.
As long as your snake is supported and comfortable then handling them should be a breeze. As always have fun and enjoy your time with your snake. Comment down below if you’ve ever held a snake and tell me about your experience.
FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
Do ball pythons have teeth? Yes, they have teeth. They have about 30 teeth that curve inward.
When can I pick up my ball python? It’s ok to pick up your ball python whenever you and they feel comfortable. Avoid handling them after they eat, or during a shed
Can I handle my new ball python or snake? Try to avoid it. A new ball python should get acclimated to its new environment before handling them. Give them a week or more in their new home before handling them.
If you need to, gently guide their heads in the direction you’d like them to go, i.e. towards you.
More on Snakes
- Why are ball pythons so docile?
- 8 Ball Python Care Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed (2023)
- How to Breed Rats for Snakes(and 3 reasons why you should too)
- Best Heat Mats for Reptiles(2023)
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: HOW
