Behavioral question

[jwise779]

I have a question for anyone who may have some advice. I think I handled my ball python a little too much at first. He used to be very social and constantly cruising around his enclosure, but now he hides in his little cave unless he thinks he's going to get fed. Even then he will only stick his head out.

My question is this - what can I do to get him to feel more comfortable and as a result come out of his cave more? Is there a way to reverse the effects of handling him too much? Should I just wait for him to come out on his own, or handle him periodically anyway to help him get used to it? When I do handle him he's clearly nervous (i.e. he moves around a lot), but he's still very docile. I just want him to be calm and comfortable yet sociable.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks!

[Johnny Utah]

Ball pythons have never been known as display snakes. I'd say your snake's behavior is pretty common. He was probably cruising his enclosure because it was new to him. Now that he's used to it, he's content with lurking in his hide.

He probably does cruise the cage in the middle of the night.

[angelboa]

I had a problem like that with my ball what i did was take him out of his cage 1 or 2 times a day even if it was to say hi and put him back if you are afraid he might bite you put a washcloth over his head and pick him up that was the only way i could get mine out for a while then he realised after a while that the cage opening wasnt just for feeding it was also to play. one thing that helped with my berm was we had 1 door to open to play with him and a differnt door on the other side of the cage for food to go in he did well with that set up he would get ready to strike if the food door was opend but not when the other door was opened i hope that helps some

[thaspecialists]

bp usually don't do a lot of moving unti night time, my bp just sticks her head out to see what going on and then back in again, but if i go see her late at night she trying to find ways of escaping, they r escape artist

	Ball Python

[ReptileMan27]

Their isnt much you can do, BPs are shy snakes that arent active unless their hungry,shedding etc.. They are nocturnal so your best bet for seeing it out is at night.

[geckochick]

Originally Posted by ReptileMan27

Their isnt much you can do, BPs are shy snakes that arent active unless their hungry,shedding etc.. They are nocturnal so your best bet for seeing it out is at night.

I totally agree with this.

When my Ball is nervous he balls up. If your little one is moving around alot when your handling it I would say he feels pretty comfortable.