r/ballpython • u/Concept_Natural • 2d ago
Question Handling advice
Hi everyone! I recently got this little guy/girl from someone who was looking to rehome them and give them a better life. I’m a first-time snake owner, so I’m still learning!
Today was actually my first time handling them since I got them. I had been giving them some space because of shedding and feeding. Overall, handling went pretty well, but I definitely realized I’m not as confident as I’d like to be yet
At one point they started getting pretty close to my face, and it freaked me out enough that I decided to put them back in their enclosure. I’m assuming they were probably just curious/exploring, but since I don’t really know how to read snake body language yet, I got nervous.
Does anyone have recommendations for good YouTubers, creators, or other resources that teach snake body language and handling? I’d especially like to learn how to tell the difference between curiosity/exploring, stress, defensiveness, feeding responses, etc.
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u/DashD0GG 2d ago
Tongue flicks are generally a good sign. BPs are often slow creatures (mine is a gummy worm during handling) but you’ll learn your BPs mannerisms with time, faster movement than normal can indicate stress. Breathing patterns quickening may also indicate stress. The “S” curl is a solid warning (be careful putting them back if you notice an S curl, move slowly, my boy’s only gotten into position to strike me once in 7+ years of owning him). Wash your hands with dish soap or hand sanitizer before handling to make you smell distinctly inedible. If you’re ever bit, try not to jerk away too fast, they’ll let go quickly 9/10 times. If they latch on, congrats, you’re now a meal! JKJK some ice to the head will make em let go. SnakeDiscovery is where I learned most of this on YouTube.