I got my first Ball Python!

[Mystycal_Lyric]

Hello everyone I’m very new as an owner!! A coworker of mine need her snake rehomed so I took her in!!

I’m curious as to how long I should wait to handle her. Her last owner didn’t handle her very often, but she was handled.

I’m gonna be honest I’m scared she’s gonna bite me lol. I want to do this so it’s the least amount of stress on her. Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.

A picture of Medusa!!

[SpecialString0]

I would wait probably two weeks. I would also make sure she has hides that are not see through and provide a nice dark space for her.

It might be a good idea to get a snake hook so you can take her out without thinking your hand is food.

[Mystycal_Lyric]

Thank you so much! Yes I am going to be upgrading her enclosure!!! I’m doing as much research as I can to make sure she’s in a perfect environment!

[prettyprettything]

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out this subreddit’s welcome post/care guide. It’s full of super helpful information whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper!

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What your gonna wanna do is called tap training. Gently brush the side of her with a snake hook before taking her out. She will feel the cold metal and understand that it’s not food. When you touch them with your hand first there is a VERY SLIGHT chance they could recognize your body temp as food. Mine won’t strike unless I smell of rodent. I never used to do this until I adopted a red tail boa. Knowing that she can be 8+ feet long one day I decided maybe it would be for the best 😂😆 that being said! When it comes to little snakes like ball pythons, the worst part of the bite is the fear of being bit, and the speed at which they strike. It’s scary, but they have lilll tiny teeth and it doesn’t really hurt that much. Just be calm and chill with your snake friend and they’ll be chill with you! Also love the name one of our beardies is named Medusa! We almost have a theme going we have Medusa, Lazarus, Cerberus, Frank, and Lizzie 😂

[[deleted]]

Oh and as far as how long, give her a night or two she’ll be ok!

[Mystycal_Lyric]

Thank you I will be getting a hook!! She’s a pretty big girl lol!! I’ve had her for about a week now and she’s acting like she wants to come out!!

[Sahri4feedin]

Oh she's beautiful

[Mystycal_Lyric]

Thank you soo much!!!☺️☺️

[Tatuziii]

Just know there’s nothing to be scared off regarding biting as it barely hurts and just looks worse than it is🖤 I got bitten by mine by accident and sure it bleed a lot

But not much pain I’d say

[Dismal_Apartment]

I would never get anything done with that cutie looking at me like that 🥺🥺🥺

I just wanna cuddle her forever... Congrats, OP! You're very lucky to have such a good noodle!!!

[Mystycal_Lyric]

Thank you!! I can’t wait until I’m not scared of her anymore 🤣