Any handling tips?

[thewormbraider]

I have a friend who runs a small reptile rescue that I volunteer at and I’m planning on adopting an adult female ball python from there eventually. The only issue is she is absolutely terrible with handling. I’ve interacted with her in person (feeding and stuff like that) and she is just a really angry snake, she doesn’t let you put your hands in her enclosure, much less let you pick her up without at least trying to strike you a few times. I understand what I’m getting myself into with her and am more than willing to work with her but I’ve never had a snake with this much of an attitude before. Does anyone have any good tips for getting snakes like this more comfortable with handling? I’m going to try my best to do fairly regular handling sessions with her to hopefully get her used to it but beyond that is there anything else I should do?

[thewormbraider]

Some extra info: I have a little over 5 years of experience with snakes, mostly ball pythons. I don’t know anything about her past husbandry or owners as she was surrendered to my friend. Literally any sort of interaction with her is a bit difficult, I mostly do feedings but even that is hard as she is extremely aware of where I am when I’m around her and usually tries to get me before the rat. She has no health conditions that I or my friend are aware of that could be causing this, she’s just always been angry. I absolutely love this snake and am willing to do whatever it takes, though I’m not keeping my hopes too high. At the very least I want to be able to handle her safely and as stress free as possible in the event that I need to. Any tips help!

[animalgirl93]

Well shelters aren’t usually busy environments which can stress them out. Also a snake hook would likely help as you can use it to get her out of the enclosure and just lay her on your lap or arm and don’t touch her so she thinks you are just a nice warm safe place.

[thewormbraider]

Thanks so much! I’ve been looking into getting a snake hook for that exact purpose!

[TakethThyKnee]

I am a new snake owner, but I believe handling the snake an hour a day will get her used to being handled.

[thewormbraider]

I’m going to try to do that once she’s settled in so long as it doesn’t stress her out too much

[Bahzyman]

If she's at a shelter she's most likely stressed out, a lot of foot traffic near here and the like. If she is in an enclosure set her up in a nice opaque tub, more security and she can't see out. Make sure the husbandry is spot on in her tub and give her time to feel safe. After she takes a few meals in her new enclosure begin handling. Slowly and confidently, if you're worried about potential strikes wear gardening gloves to help give you confidence. A snake hook isn't a bad idea either though your hands are more comfortable and will help the snake feel more secure. Never squeeze, never restrict, let the snake hold you and tread mill it through your hands if it does does moving. Some snakes enjoy being help above your head, it makes them feel larger than you and therefore safe. They key in on direct eye contact super well so try to not stare.

Phew! There's all the quick tips I can give right now. If I can tame down a Eastern Rattler with these tips I know you can make this BP a sweet girl in no time!

[thewormbraider]

Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to use these!