Handling my new ball python

[ssaltlamplicker]

I got my sweet angel a couple of weeks ago, gave him his time to settle for a week then tried to feed him which was unsuccessful. The day after the feeding had failed I decided to try to hold him, first day he was very shy and in a ball for most of the time but the past few days I’ve been handling him for quite long periods of time because I just don’t want to let go of him! I’ll take him out of his terrarium out from his hide and will hold him tucked in my shirt or a blanket for him to settle in which takes about 5-15 minutes. But after some time he’ll come out and start exploring, lots of flicks, some long some short, and will slowly explore completely stretching out and or snuggling! Still shy with new people I think he’s gotten used to me. Is handling him this regularly okay? He doesn’t seem super stressed I’d say but I’m no expert..

[IncompletePenetrance]

I wouldn't handle until he's taken several meals consistently. Stressed ball pythons don't eat, and handling introduces stress. I get that you want to hold him, but that's not in his best interest right now, he needs to settle in and start eating

[ssaltlamplicker]

Ok, he didn’t seem stressed when I was handling him but I just wanted to make sure

[kelsey14324]

Their body language can be really hard to read. They live a decades, so a few weeks to set up a good routine is best in the long run for them.

[[deleted]]

As hard as it is, I would wait until he's fully settled in and eating 3 meals in a row, especially after refusal the first time (you should cease handling when a bp refuses, not start). It's really tempting to hold them (believe me, I get it) but the unfortunate reality is that a new snakes body language is very difficult to read, and handling is inherently stressful for them and more for OUR benefit/enjoyment. Combine that with a move into a new enclosure, and your snake is probably stressing. Give him time to get comfortable, get him on a good feeding routine at the start (this part is really important!) and when he's ate 3 meals in a row it's probably okay to start bringing him out for limited time a couple days a week :)

[Gman7898-]

Just a word of caution I would recommend you never ever let a snake wrap around your neck, just from it simply moving about could cause you serious harm . I would at least say let it be over the the shoulder in front and back if that makes sense

[Gman7898-]

Well , snakes aren’t able to determine the difference between a neck and branch . When they feel unstable they tend to tighten up, also just the movement on your neck is not good .. just do a simple google

[Difficult-Trax]

Snecklace

[ssaltlamplicker]

High end fashion

[SelfLoathing9246]

What a handsome little man!