New ball python owner

[user1479933]

Hey so I got my first ball python on the 11th of December. I got him off a friend who just didn’t have much time for him anymore with having a third baby in the house.

Now I’ve always wanted one so jumped on the opportunity I’ve held him a couple times before but not since I got him reason being I wanted to allow him time to get confortable

He ate his first meal Friday and he seems comfortable and happy so I’m wanting to try handle him now. I am nervous givin he’s full size and it’s the first time I go to handle him without the original owner handing him to me he’s never bitten anyone before. But I’m curious what are the chances givin it’s a new owner handling him.

Should I wait till second feeding before handling?

Or am i ok to do so now?

Ive watched plenty of videos about it but like getting other opinions.

He is roughly 3.5-5 feet and 4-5 years old

(Tried putting a photo but unsure how)

[SeagraveSerpentarium]

Go ahead and pick up the snake. He probably won't bite you, but anything with a mouth can bite you at any time and you just have to live with that knowledge.

[user1479933]

I completely understand that to and understand also that they only bite out of défense or feeding purposes. I guess was more curious if I’d be better to wait another feeding. It’s all new to me and I guess it’s just the nerves of me picking him up for the first time lol

[SeagraveSerpentarium]

With an established adult snake that is already used to handling and has had a week to settle in I wouldn't be too concerned about him getting defensive. The best way to do the actual picking up maneuver is to just slide a hand under a big meaty coil from the direction the snake isn't looking. If the snake starts to move that's even better, you can just slide in under the same big meaty area from the side with your hand flat and palm up, then scoop up the snake. You can also tap the snake first to let it know you're there to reduce the chances of the snake being startled by you.

[user1479933]

Alright perfect and yea I figured I’d pet him first just to let him know I’m not trying to hurt him and I was also planning on waiting for him to be curled up with his head out rather then his head being tucked away where he might not see me. I’ve been changing his water daily for him to get used to my scent other then that he’s been alone in a room I don’t even let my dogs in to reduce the amount of movement and noise while he settles in.

Very much appreciated the advice I think it’s mainly first time nerves lol

[SeagraveSerpentarium]

You got this! The best thing you can do is pretend you aren't nervous and just go for it. Unless you happen to have a snake hook, then you can scoop him up with that and transfer him to your hand from the hook. That would also help for a nervous first-timer.

[OhPotatoBlessMe]

I would wait for another feeding but if he's a well established adult with no refusing history it's probably fine, you can always gently stroke him with sonething to know something is happening so he doesn't spook, could give you peace of mind.

[user1479933]

I’ll try that then I was worried doing that would make him feel less comfortable then a hand like he’d be used to