I just got a new ball python and im scared to pick him up would he bite me if i try to pick him up?

Answer 1

Why would you bye it if you are too scared to pick it up but anyway the snake probably won't bite you but we can't say for sure. If it bites you then it bites you that is just a risk you take when you keep snakes I have got bitten by all my snakes but it doesn't stop me from byeing more. A baby ball bite would really do pretty much no damage anyway.

Answer 2

I know you got more than enough info, but I'm bored and I have one for you so what the hell. Ball pythons are for the most part pretty docile. So as far jumping at you or biting you, I wouldn't count on it. It's just going to like the fact that you're nice and warm, and will probably be a little more active than as if you were holding a red tailed boa. Just when you pick it up get by the head, and make sure you have the majority of the rest of the length and continue to do so while it moves. And to hellp you get over the feat, have someone with you, and hold it over it's cage at first. That way you can either pass it off to someone else or put it back into the cage.

Answer 3

Once you have your snake and got him/her set up at home, the best thing to do is leave it alone for at least a week or two. This will give your snake time to get comfortable in it's new home. A snake that is not stressed and acclimated will eat, and generally be a better pet. After you've patiently waited a few weeks, I would try and feed it it's first meal. Once it eats a few times for you, it's OK to start handling your snake for short periods of time. I feel it's better to get them out of the cage with a snake hook×. Ball Pythons do not usually bite, but if a bite is going to happen, reaching your hand into the tank is typically when it does. The snake may not know your intentions and see you as a predator or confuse you with a food item. Bites very rarely happen, and fortunately do not hurt any worse than getting a shot from the doctor. Once you've had your snake for awhile you will be able to "read" it based on it's body posture and activity cycles.

Answer 4

Chances are it's not going to bite you, but if you just got it you should leave it alone for up to a week to allow it to adjust to its new habitat (I know its hard but try your best). Ball pythons make great pets and are usually pretty tame, you'll probably have more of a problem with it being shy then aggressive. Try handling it for about 5 to 10 minutes per day at first and slowly increase the time. He'll get used to you soon enough. Just a warning for the future....next time before you purchase an animal get some experience handling first before you jump into such a commitment.

Answer 5

Congratulations on your new snake. Any snake owner will have to come to terms with an undeniable truth--all snakes can bite and sooner or later, all snakes WILL bite. Do not let this be something bad though. Let me continue.

First to alleviate your fears about any potential bite. Snakes have razor sharp teeth -- and that's a good thing. Very sharp teeth cut cleanly and with very little pain (unlike a cat or dog). If a snake does bite you, hold still and let the snake disengage on its own (which shouldn't be any longer than a split second in most cases). This will keep any teeth from breaking off.

Second, lucky for you, you have a rather docile snake. True it is their nature to "ball up" when threatened, but sometimes they feel that such a maneuver isn't an option, and that's when they strike.

A snake has a body language, just like any other animal, and if you learn how to read them, you can usually predict what they are going to do. When a snake feels relaxed, they tend to keep their necks straight. When they are anxious or about to attack, they will curve their neck in the well known "S" shape, usually they've raised up part of their body, but not always.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most snakes are attacked by predators from above. So if you move from the side instead of above, the snake will be less spooked. The snake will either turn toward you or move away. When the snake does move toward you, let him "sniff" you with his tongue. Eventually he'll move away. When he does, grab him by the mid-section, very gently. Then use your other hand to hold him as well, so that he is held securely. The rest you should know (such as let him move in your hands and do not squeeze).

The best way to avoid being bitten is to always move slowly around snakes, wash your hands when handling food, and be sure that there's not a bunch of commotion going on around you when you do decide to hold your snake.

Now that you have all of this in mind, your fears should be somewhat alleviated. Snakes, like most other animals, can sense fear. If you are not fearful of the snake, then the snake will relax and do what snakes do---ignore you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

When I first got my boa I was a little leery of her too. I had held her at the store where I bought her, but at that time someone was always there to assist me. Having this powerful little serpent all to myself was a little intimidating!

But I think you should definitely pick him up, and do it as often as possible. That way he can get used to your scent, and you can learn to feel more comfortable with him.

A technique that I use with my kingsnake is to put my hand in the cage, and let him smell me before I pick him up. If they are startled or scared they may get defensive and bite.

Also, never feed the snake inside his cage. When you do that the snake begins to associate your hand with meal time and then he could bite whenever you try to take him out. Always feed the snake outside the cage, in a special box or in the bath-tub on a towel.

Above all else, be confident. If you are nervous or have quick, jerky movements the snake could get spooked.

Good luck!

Answer 7

From what I've read, those are pretty docile snakes, when frightened it'll ball itself up rather than bite. Plus, as a python, they are in the constrictor family and tend to squeeze their prey rather than kill it through biting.
All snakes tend to be a little touchy during their shedding time, since they feel easily threatened and can't see well. If its shedding (pretty easy to tell, eyes get cloudy, skin peels off) then leave it be until its finished.

Answer 8

Ive had a couple of Bald pyathons and they are great. They are pretty melo snakes and Ive never had one bite me. If he is an agressive snake feed him first wait a while and go for the grab. remember to move slow so you don't scare him and if you are still scared to pick him up use a pair of leather gloves. Snakes are a lot of fun just dont tease him or he will learn not to like you. They like warm spaces so if he tries to climb in your shirt good luck.

Answer 9

no he'll just ball up(hence the name) once you start holding him more often he'll be more calm. don't be scared, even if he does bite, it'll scare you more than it will hurt. i got bit by my one yr old after feeding time and it didn't hurt at all, just scared me, but later that same day i picked her up and she was fine. plus they don't hold on, they'll just bite then let go so fast you won't even know what happened. did i mention i'm 13. if i can do it, so can you. you'll be nervous to pick him up at first but once you have him in your hands you will get used to eachother. eventually it'll be no problem at all, just a joyful meeting between friends!

Answer 10

I don't want to sound rude but if you are scared to pick him up why did you get it? I'm sure that he will sense you are scared. I just got a California King this weekend. It is young so it did strike at me but it doesn't hurt. I was told the only way to stop this is to keep handling him and whatever you do don't jump or move your hand back because it will keep striking at you. You have to show them who is boss!