I recently got my first ball python. I have been reading that you’re only supposed to handle them once a day. But, since it’s my first snake I have been handling her a lot. She doesn’t seem to care and usually will just slither her way to my head and stay there for a long time. She’s an odd snake for sure cause she won’t strike at all, she’d rather go out of her enclosure (I let her get a choice to be held), she is a curious snake though and tongue flicks a lot, she seems a little too comfy around me at times as well (which is a good thing), she also likes to just rub against me all the time. But I hold her about twice a day or so and when she seems like she wants to go back in the enclosure I let her, then sooner or later she’s out and will literally attempt an escape out of the enclosure. So when I am close I let a little exit for her so i know when she wants to be free. Does anyone have advice for me or anything they’d like to inform me of about ball pythons? If so please do tell me cause I am completely open to advice, tips, facts, and more.
Striking is relatively rare in BPs when they’re comfortable. They’re a shy species and not as actively defensive as others.
Exactly how long have you had this baby? As long as she’s still eating well I don’t see too much of an issue with it. If she’s fussy about food I would definitely help back on handling for a while until she eats well. Also just be sure to give her a little time alone to digest after eating of course.
I got her on Saturday. I got her for my birthday, and the person who gave her to me got her from his friend. The person he got her from got her from an expo, but their parents said they weren’t allowed to keep her. She’s not too fussy about food, she ate the Friday before I got her. Of course I don’t plan on handling her after she eats. But I was worried cause I read that you’re not supposed to handle snakes more than once a day.
I did hear that Ball Python’s striking is rare, but she does seem a little too nice lol. It’s a tad suspicious of her.
Also, thank you for your advice and feedback I really appreciate it.
Since you got her so recently, I might recommend minimizing handling until she’s taken at least one or two meals with you. BPs can be prone to hunger strikes when they’re stressed, and it sounds like your girl has undergone quite a bit of stress lately with how many times she’s changed hands. So I’d hold off on handling (except when necessary) until you know she’s eating for you.
My rule of thumb with new snakes is that I leave them alone for a week to decompress and settle in, then offer food, and if they eat for me, then I’ll start handling them as I please (and as they’ll tolerate) once they’ve had 24 hours to digest that first meal.
Throwing in an edit to add that I don’t see any issue with handling a snake more than once a day, so long as the snake in question is eating well and not showing signs of being overly stressed by handling. I’ll often handle one of my snakes more than once a day and she doesn’t seem bothered by it, she eats great and has a very confident and inquisitive temperament. I have another snake who is much more nervous and fearful, and I handle her much less frequently. So it just depends on the snake.
I agree with @jawramik
Defiantly let her settle in and start feeding before handling.
Last thing you want is feeding problems.
Once they are are accustomed to the new environment and feeding well they are fairly reliable.
Thank you I will definitely minimize handling. Thank you so much for your feedback and advice I really appreciate it.