How can I reintroduce my Ball Python to handling?

Question

My family has owned a Ball Python since 2000 and in the beginning she was handled every now and then. Sadly, I can' recall the last time the poor girl has had any interaction with humans (minus feeding). I really want to reintroduce her into being handled, but I have no clue how to go about it.

Answer 1

The best way to get your ball python used to handling is using your hands. If she is snappy, the best thing to do is to deal with the pain of the bite or wear gloves. I do not like using gloves when training for handling, simply because it is my bare hands that I want my snake to get used to. Of course I have been bitten multiple times so bites do not scare me.



Hold her while she is out and about. Snakes are usually active at night so you may have to stay up till 10pm just to hold her. It is at this time of the day when snakes want to roam and not sleep. You will not spook her this way as you would waking her up. Spooking her and waking her can imprint handling as a negative thing and you want her to know that handling is a good experience.

Answer 2

Hi. First, take her out of her cage, then just put hor down on the floor. Just let her explore her surroundings. Do this for about 1-2 weeks then if she seems fine you can start holding her and playing with her. I hope this helped. Good luck!

Answer 3

Should I do anything before that? I'm not even sure if she'll let me pick her up.