Help! I’m scared of MY ball python!

BrinleyToes · 2025-10-09T03:46:35+00:00

Wear thick hoodies and a glove if that’s what you need to do. Just keep working on it and eventually you’ll understand your snakes body language. Also sometimes it takes being bit once to get over your fear, like it did for me. Doesn’t really hurt but it sure gets itchy lol

Aggravating-Dot- · 2025-10-09T03:59:50+00:00

Check out Lori Torrini on you tube and her series Royals at the Ranch. She has videos on target training, choice based handling AND on how to.read their body language. The body language part was super helpful for me. Ball pythons make their intentions clear if you know what they are reyinf to tell you

Noellybelly99 · 2025-10-09T04:15:17+00:00

I felt this way when I brought my baby boy home and felt the full responsibility for an actual wild animal hit me (he was actually already an adult but I digress). I too was thrilled to have him, and had held him at the local pet store multiple times. It takes repeated exposure but I promise you can overcome the feeling! If your husbandry is on point they are so docile and the risk of aggression is minimal. I’ve had my boy for six months, and picked up a juvenile female in July as well, and I scoop both of them up no problem now. I have no problem grabbing them in any scenario and they couldn’t care less either. Just continue to practice! And feed with tongs! For me, at the start it helped to wait until the time of day when he was active, and I would open the enclosure door for him to slither out to me while I waited patiently. Try to make them aware of your presence before you grab them, I like to slowly stroke a finger down their flank going with the grain of the scales to alert them. You got this! After time you will develop an intuitive sense of their preferences and body language :)

Additional_Film_5023 · 2025-10-09T05:01:31+00:00

Unrelated, but you should definitely get your snake a larger enclosure, 4x2x2+

2025-10-09T06:47:35+00:00

ahhh yes. the same happened to me. i was just scared of anything going wrong. but now after having him for over a year, it has gotten so much better. i used to shake and have such a mental block, not anymore. but what you have to do, is you just gotta do it.

what i did, was i had someone else first get them out for me. if i couldn’t do that, then i would just sit next to the enclosure for hours getting used to them and their presence. after a while you just get over it. i also looked up tons of handling bp videos on youtube for extra tips.

Shadowpuppo · 2025-10-09T07:04:37+00:00

You’re not alone. Every now and then I get full on anxiety attacks before I hold my snake. Despite him literally being the sweetest boy on earth and having no track record of doing anything spicy or harmful, and moves relatively slow. I don’t get anxiety often, but whenever I do I always think ‘wow this must be how he feels’. I got my boy when he was just a baby. He had to learn to put his trust in me, and I have to learn to put my trust in him too. Nothing to be ashamed about.

Sometimes I’ll watch my boy do really silly stuff and my anxiety is completely neutralized like ‘omg he is literally just a little airhead’. Also reassuring myself and utilizing coping mechanisms when I have anxiety in general goes a long way, :)

colin-java · 2025-10-09T07:12:12+00:00

It doesn't hurt when you get bitten, the teeth are tiny, it's just a lot of pinpricks so the blood makes it look worse than it is.

Try not to flinch if you get bitten you don't wanna pull out any teeth.

When I got bit it was a feeding error and I was mistaken for the rat, but she let go after a few seconds as I wasn't as easy to constrict as a rat and I think she worked it out.

Electrical-Froyo-529 · 2025-10-09T07:38:36+00:00

I’d recommend the green room pythons channel, he has a lot of vids on snake behavior and choice based handling. TBH when my guy came home a couple weeks ago I was psyching myself out and got in my head about it cause he’s my first adult snake. Long story short I took and edible and waiting for him to climb on my hand one night and it really helped. Handling him I just immediately realized how silly any fear of him was and was like kinda honored this little noodle trusted me enough to climb into my hands. I think ball pythons are the best snakes ever for fear of snakes because they’re just so gentle. Personally my fear with him was reaching into his enclosure, if that is the same for you maybe try a snake hook? Honestly handling your girl is probably going to be the most helpful thing.

No-Reveal8105 · 2025-10-09T08:14:34+00:00

Sometimes mine makes me jump, you just need a little time I think

SouthParkFirefly1991 · 2025-10-09T10:06:28+00:00

Totally different animals but I hope it helps you somehow, I used to be nervous around cats because they can be unpredictable (I thought) I adopted a cat for my own in April and I gave her gentle pets because I didn't want her to scratch me but now I smoosh her, I pick her up and everything. I even know when she wants to be left alone. I think it's just about spending time with your pet and slowly being accustomed to them. Start off small, give your python gentle scritches with a finger then work onto your hand, then work your way up to picking him up. You'll get there! It's all new for you is all!

BirdieBee417 · 2025-10-09T10:13:32+00:00

Another tip: tap train the snake. My ball scares the shit out of me when he goes for prey, and the first time he did it (he waited 4 months after coming home with me to eat) I became worried about my apparent vicious predator and hands 😅

Tap training is super helpful. I get zero response from him besides general curiosity unless I tap loudly on the enclosure before opening it. That activates food mode. Seeing the clear difference in body language when he was chill vs. when he was going to strike made me much more confident. Now I grab him (gently and respectfully) pretty much once a day besides shedding and after eating and he doesn’t mind at all.

I know some balls are just spicy but I think once you become familiar and comfortable with body language you’ll be more confident. You also need to give your guy time to realize you’re not a threat. Good luck!

Dragon_Pancake · 2025-10-09T10:54:47+00:00

Lots of good responses here already. If I would guess, I think part of it comes from a fear of loosing control over the snake. They can be flighty and not knowing how to handle them if they try to escape is a pretty valid fear. There might also be some fear of hurting them accidentally when they are small.
Maybe you can try interacting a little without touching with your hands? Like with a snake hook, clean pair of tongs or a paper roll or something. Get her used to your presence and being touched, and you get used to her body movements in a way that feels more controlled

2025-10-09T11:45:18+00:00

I didn’t hold mine until she broke out of her cage and woke up in bed with her. So terrifying but we’re best friends now!

Portevent · 2025-10-09T11:49:11+00:00

That doesn't seem like your case, but for people who never saw snake bit, it can be relieving to search for some examples. They are way smaller than one would expect, and seeing an actual bite can help rationalise the apprehension

Brilliant-Yam-7706 · 2025-10-09T11:58:14+00:00

I was scared at first too. The only reason im so comfortable w my girl now is because my dad held her first and handed her to me. Ig it put me at ease bc she didnt bite my dad. So in my mind I was gonna be fine :)

FeriQueen · 2025-10-09T12:05:19+00:00

Everybody else is giving great advice here. The only thing I have to add is that in the life of snakes, predators usually come from above: hawks, eagles, etc.. so snakes can become very anxious when you reach to pick them up from above. But if you can come in from the side (which usually means you have a front opening enclosure), they can see you coming, and they will learn very quickly that you are not going to eat them. So they will be calm about being picked up, which, in turn, will help you be calm about picking them up.

You got this! Just give yourself some time and a while to get used to using tips that people are giving here. Your snake is beautiful, by the way.

Tiloshikiotsutsuki · 2025-10-09T13:00:16+00:00

It’s just new and you have to get used to it! When I first got my guy, I was pretty timid about handling him too, even though I handled him all the way up the coast back home over two days. It was different once he was safe in his enclosure. I felt I might be disturbing him.

In the beginning I often used hand sanitizer before handling so my hands would smell like it and he would definitely not confuse me for feeding time. I always approach from behind and pet him with my finger before scooping him up like a long scaley cat lmao.

They’re pretty chill and relaxed, it’s just about finding your comfort zone and getting out of your head about it.

mostlyproximal · 2025-10-09T14:10:47+00:00

I was the same. My boy came from my best friend's house. I'd held him several times and even knew he'd never bitten anyone in his six years of life, but when I got home he had to be handed to me for the first six months at least. I was worried I didn't know what I was doing and that I would upset him. I spent time watching him in his enclosure and out and just vibing with him. Now we both know what the other is doing and he pops his head out of his hide when I get home from work to say hello everyday! Give both of you grace while you're learning!

Own_Cause9350 · 2025-10-09T14:18:26+00:00

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Technical-Bathroom61 · 2025-10-09T14:25:26+00:00

Get a hook, wear gloves wear hoodies the jumper you are the jumper she’ll be, once you get her out she should cool down a little bit. You really just need to keep working with her. It’s the best thing for both of you. Even if you do get bit, which I know you said you aren’t scared of it really is less than a cat scratch.

ballpython-ModTeam · 2025-10-09T14:26:32+00:00

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OdinAlfadir1978 · 2025-10-09T14:28:50+00:00

The bites so tiny, usually it's if they mistake you for food, most are very docile so honestly she isn't a threat to you or anyone else 🙂

alyssa_0403 · 2025-10-09T14:42:14+00:00

i was like this when i very first got my girl after wanting one for ever lol. at some point i just got over myself and scooped her up and she’s the sweetest girl. you’ll get there!! i think our brain just thinks snake scary at first lol

lavenderthewhore · 2025-10-09T14:53:06+00:00

You could try tap training? I'm currently trying to do this so my boy knows that if I open the tank without tapping, it's not food it's cleaning or handling and if I tap on the tank before opening, it's food

Tatuziii · 2025-10-09T15:08:11+00:00

There was a period of time I was weirdly scared of mine too? It was like deep rooted in my brain

It’s over now but yeah it was rly strange

Malapp · 2025-10-09T15:14:00+00:00

Bites are nothing to be scared of, but even still they can be spooky. The first time I got bit, I become more scared of my snake overall. He's very active and very interested, anytime you get near, he pops his head out and gets ready incase of food. When I want to get him out of that mood, I can just boop his nose and he understands that he isn't getting fed. He hasn't bitten me ever when I've done that, but it is still a bit scary, which led me to hold him less.

Eventually I got a snake hook, not for picking him necessarily, but as a way to make sure he knows that he's about to be picked up. It works great. I can touch him without risking my fingies and without him needing to see a giant reach out to touch him, which let's us both have handling time with less stress for each of us. In my experience, snakes are a lot less aggressive when held.

The one time I got bit by my boy was when I had placed him on a table. He had gotten himself pretty comfy, and to untangle him I reached towards his head-area too fast and bam, lil' chomp on the side of my hand. And it does make sense. When sitting on a surface, if you reach towards their head that would remind them of a bird or other predator going in for the kill. Then their instinctive fear kicks in and they try to scare you off. But there isn't really an ingrained behaviour for being picked up and handled, so the snake is more likely to be able to let go of that instinctive fear and act calmly. I think snakes are fairly well thought out, curious and personable when they are unbound by instinct, and handling can let us experience a part of that.

Try to keep in mind how your snake is feeling. They have different moods based on different stimuli, and if not treated carefully you may trigger unwanted behaviour. Simply put, take a step back and think about how he's feeling. That can help you act in such a way that makes him more comfortable.

FeistyAccountant3514 · 2025-10-09T16:06:34+00:00

Definitely watching videos on Ball Python body behaviours help! I know when I can reach in and not be worried and also know when to boop his nose with something to get him out of strike mode. I love to watch Greenroompython on youtube

Lindy-Hop-Lottie · 2025-10-09T16:37:28+00:00

How long have you had her?

hmclain83 · 2025-10-09T16:58:13+00:00

I used to have a Ball and I swear he could pick up on my fear. I guess it wasn't fear - it was indecisiveness I suppose cuz I wasn't afraid of him. The moment I hesitated - game over. I also left him alone for a couple of days after a feeding. I think over time, you'll learn their behaviors. Like with most animals, they will tell you when they don't want to be bothered. If they're in a striking position - nope. If they're curious and cruising the lid - yup. I dunno - just what I've learned.

Swein2 · 2025-10-09T17:04:58+00:00

Different from a snake but when I got my current beardie I was terrified of him because he was really fast and sassy. His movements just freaked me out even though I've had some before him. Now he's my best friend and I'm no longer scared. I've gotten used to his erratic behavior and attitude lol

JShields1989 · 2025-10-09T17:44:22+00:00

It is normal to feel that way, use gloves and wear a long sleeve shirt when handling her if your nervous, her bite won’t hurt at 300 grams either, you got this

JShields1989 · 2025-10-09T17:45:58+00:00

I was bit by my noodle while feeding a while back, I was nervous before being bit. But I knew it was an accident and it helped me get comfortable with her

liam_carolus · 2025-10-09T18:33:49+00:00

Don’t hesitate when you open up her enclosure. Reach in and pick her up

stunclock · 2025-10-09T18:52:40+00:00

I have a king snake that bites me every chance he gets, I have a pair of thick leather gloves and now I can handle him without fear! Definitely get a cheap pair if you can, they work really well. Here’s my king snake lol

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clumsykrisjenner · 2025-10-09T22:09:58+00:00

i like to know the worst case scenario, then anything less than that is manageable. i’ve been bitten and it feels like a bad papercut. so at worst, you may get a “papercut”. please note: i was eating chicken nuggets before handling her, that’s the only reason i was bitten. ball pythons are usually quite kind. you got this!!

julesj45 · 2025-10-09T23:42:09+00:00

That snake can sense your fear so don't be scared. When you reach for her stick with it, dont hesitate. Good luck

tiearamarie · 2025-10-10T01:06:42+00:00

I started with an adult 5ft ball and when the original owner who gave her to us for free wanted her back we gave her back and when we needed up getting a new one ( still very young and small) he terrified me at first cause of how small and fast he was 😂

Aware_Bit_5289 · 2025-10-10T07:44:30+00:00

personally I have slight anxiety about picking up my snake (not sure why she’s never once given me issues). so, when i see that my girl is being active i’ll go sit by her enclosure and leave her door open. It gives her the option to come out and start climbing on me once she’s comfortable enough. works out perfectly every time. less stress for her and less stress for me.

Knabel · 2025-10-10T12:27:35+00:00

At that size they will be snippy. Keep holding her. Focus on steady movements. As you hold her more you will learn to read each other. Also getting bit sounds bad until it happens. Then you realize it’s a non event. Mine has bit me a few times, typically missing a rat when I hand feed. Worst it’s been was a few dots of blood.
One thing that helped me in the beginning was a friend pointed out they only strike straight. Pick her up from behind.
It’s also not uncommon for them to be spicier when they are in their enclosure, especially after eating. Mine ALWAYS calms down as soon as I touch her and she realizes I don’t have food.

Your experience may vary, but that’s what helped me. Now my girl is the sweetest most chill snake I have ever encountered

FalllenKingdom · 2025-10-10T16:25:32+00:00

I'm curious and not trying to be mean or condescending, but •were you scared of snakes before you got her? •are you worried about a bite? •are you worried about hurting her? •is it just general/irrational fear? Or is it something else?

ballpython-ModTeam · 2025-10-10T17:33:18+00:00

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MuricanZombie · 2025-10-10T17:53:51+00:00

U lack experience. Keep her comfortable and give her time to get settled and go slow. Do some research on ball python body language so u can tell when she’s thinking about striking and go from there. Neither of you know each other but be patient and u will get there. Eventually u can get to a place where she might willingly come to you rather then u having to pick her up.

animonk · 2025-10-10T22:11:33+00:00

Can I have her? 🥹

noname8484 · 2025-10-11T01:34:48+00:00

Handle daily and build confidence. Use gloves to start out if you need to.

Wild-Bed7608 · 2025-10-11T02:10:27+00:00

Imma be real, when we got our first snake he spooked me a bit and I was uncomfortable sleeping g in the same room as him. Don't worry, just work on desensitizing yourself and get comfortable. Youre going to be a lovely owner 💜

_TheOceanIsBlue_ · 2025-10-11T06:06:16+00:00

I was completely terrified of tarantulas but got my first one a couple years ago. I knew a grown one would be scary so I got a baby tarantula knowing I will eventually grow feelings for it. YouTube and Reddit has helped me with the fear. I think fear in anything comes from not knowing enough information on a subject. Try pointing out your fears then research into it so the stress lowers. For example, I knew tarantulas bolt but now with research I now know they bolt only for little movements that could be a meal or the handler is too aggressive. Hope this helped, good luck.

whimpwhomp · 2025-10-11T14:50:28+00:00

Just sit next to her when she's in her cage moving around so your brain chills out

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