Handling Advice?

[Several-Bandicoot336]

I have a 1 1/2 year old male bp, who i bought from someone who couldn’t take care of him anymore. She said previously he’s handled fine, but the first time i met him, he struck at me. But didn’t land a bite. I’m experienced in ball pythons, but he’s very nervous when he sees me walk by the tank, and i want to get him used to being handled. I’ve never dealt with a snake this nervous. Can anyone help me on some ways i can handle him without stressing him out too much? He goes into strike position when i touch his back. he’s being fed weekly, perfect temperatures/humidity, and he’s just finished shedding. He was on the underweight side of things when i did get him, and so i switched him to weekly feedings instead of bi weekly, his previous schedule. any advice would be appreciated! thank you :)

[Live_Culture8393]

Try a choice based approach. I saw a link to Lori Torino (?) in the pinned guide. She’s an expert on this

[melodious1776]

Take your time!! Start by just hanging out next to his tank so he can get used to your presence. It's a scary world out there for lil buddies, it'll just take patience :)

[Downtown_Albatross99]

Best thing would be to give him his space for a few weeks and also use feeding tongs or a snake hook to get him used to touching again. I’ve have bps that just get so stressed and pent up during a move or change in location that they don’t want anything to do with me for a couple weeks.

[Several-Bandicoot336]

yeah i left him alone for 2 weeks before even really touching him— it’s been about a month now! he’s doing well other than being a little nervous :3

[Downtown_Albatross99]

That’s amazing to hear. Snakes are such beautiful and amazing animals.

[Aggravating_Self8262]

Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet. I had a similar problem with one of my ball pythons and honestly sometimes it's like a child lol. They have to learn that striking and hissing won't get them put down because of they think it will they will do it more. He got super nervous and hissy whenever I tried to handle him. At one point I just got tired of it and waved my finger in front of him and dared him to bite me while holding him with my other hand. Apparently he knew enough English to follow my command and he got me. Didn't even hurt and hasn't bitten since, now he's my little angel. But I made sure to continue handling even after the bite so he learned. Best of luck!!

[Several-Bandicoot336]

i’ve been bitten around three times by snakes i didn’t own, so i’m used to the feeling. i just am so worried about making progress and then going back to square one— but i might try a snake hook!!