Ball Python Holding Problems Questions

[EerieStyleWavelength]

Can you hold a snake too much. I have a ball python. 1 year old. Hardly hold him because of all the paristes and sheds and underfeeding I had to care for when I got him. Now he is through that but doesn't like to be held. I would like to hold him but am uncomfortable because he get away from me or strikes.
For 2 weeks I can only use one hand due to stitches on the other from a cat foood lid (ouch) that got my finger and artery. And I don't want to drop him. Can someone give me pointers on how much to hold him by day so I can build his trust to be held. I would Love to take him for walks. He has striked at others also when I have held him. This is my first snake so I am learning. I would appreciate any advice. He is a male and 2 and a half feet long. Thanks!

[addsig]

[RevMojo]

Rule 1: Dont panic...getting bit isn't that bad...not something you wanna do all the time, but really not terrible

If you can only use one hand, you're gonna have trouble...I'd say while you're waiting to get full functionality back, spend time petting your snake in it's cage. Make frequent contact with it. Let it know that you're not a predator..

Once you can get it out, try to handle a little bit each day...the last thing you want is to have an aggresive snake
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[EerieStyleWavelength]

Completely agree bout the aggressiveness. I will pet him. Didn't think of just sitting down doing that. Sorry, new to having a snake. Also will leave my shirt with him tonight so he can get used to my smell. Someone else suggested that. Really want to get him to relax around me. Thanks for the quick responce!

Cheryl
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[Ophiophagus-hannah]

Before you do anything, I suggest letting your cut heal fully before trying to handle your little one. It'll take some time and patience. There is some nice information in the caresheets link to the left. Good luck and I hope everything turns out fine.
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[EerieStyleWavelength]

Wanted to say thanks to both of you. I put my bra in there last night. ALso petted him with my good hand.
This morning I noticed a difference. He was much more calmer ans relaxed after being left overnight with my scent. He sure did poo poo and pee last night. I wonder if constipation was making him agressive? Man, bou 6 logs left for me and pee to clean up this morning. He was also really calm and didn't puff up at all. Had to move him and was wearing gloves because my injury. He slipped out of my hand an inch and a half from the ground of his cage and wa on his back, but he unballed himself and relaxed and let me pet him appologizing without being nervous or puffing. Man, you never know how important a finger can be till you can't use it. I just when moving him in his cage kept him close to the bottom in case he moved and I dropped him. Had to clean him up. He was stinky.
Really appreciate all you alls help. really feels comforting seeing him finally relax with me.
Thanks!
Cheryl
PS. The only pic I have of him scanned is him eating a mouse. I can post it but not sure how to use this link thing. Really a good picture of him.

Thanks!
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