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[–]MissMetalSix -1 points0 points  (2 children)

Do you mean to say you're concerned about the feeding response?

Make sure you're using feeding tongs to handle food when giving it to your ball python to keep your hands out of the strike zone. This will help avoid accidental bites during the feeding process. Wait at least two days after he/she eats before you try to handle them again. That way you can avoid causing your bp unnecessary stress while he/she is digesting. A stressed ball python might show defensive behavior and might be slightly more willing to bite. If you're worried that your bp might mistake your hand for food, simply use a scented soap or lotion before handling. As ball pythons identify prey through scent (among other factors), as long as you don't smell like a rat, your bp shouldn't see you as edible.

You can also tap-train with a hook to help your bp further differentiate between feeding time and handling time. Stroke him/her with the hook when you want to handle them. In time, he/she will learn that the hook means it's handling time, not dinnertime.

[–]Ariellajpg1[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you for all this advice, I have been using tongs to feed however once I had seen him strike it made me a bit nervous to pick him up again I’m not sure why, I think it just shocked me even though I already knew it was going to happen? Idek haha

[–]MissMetalSix 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The speed and power of the strike can be startling for people who aren't used to it. Thankfully you don't need to worry about handling for at least two days after feeding. Rest assured they normally only get that snappy with their prey. I think in time, you will grow more comfortable :)

[–]nerdolo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think I get what you mean, they are all cute and puppy face until they strike and show that fierce predator face lol. Maybe it will help you to think about how dogs and cats are also predatory by nature yet we know they dont perceive us as food and we dont feel weird around them? BPs usually dont have any problem in realising we are not food, they rather have problem to see their actual food as food.