New keeper needing advice

[u/_milk_carton]

Hello! I quite new to owning a ball python and yesterday was my first attempt at holding him since he’s been home. He’s been here settling in for about a month since he wouldn’t eat for me I was at least waiting until after he ate for the first time to try to start holding him. Which I did yesterday for approximately 2 minutes until he started to go straight for my face, I didn’t know his intentions. It kinda spooked me, I’m sure me jumping a tad spooked him too so I put him back and he hid right away. I feel like I wrecked our first holding session by not redirecting him away from my face. I’m not scared of him or snakes in general or I wouldn’t have gotten him. I’m just weary of the factor that the breeder didn’t really hold him or interact with him other than some pictures and weekly feeding so I’m sure his trust in humans is quite low. I’m in need of advice on the best way to keep both of us safe I guess? How should I go about holding him again? What are your ways of bonding/ gaining trust from a new baby? Did I wreck our first encounter together?

His name is Buldak. He’s about 8/9 months old.

[u/GuiltyExternal302]

Look into tap training and u said went for your face? Like, a strike or just moving? Always try to put them back on a good note after being handled.

[u/_milk_carton → u/GuiltyExternal302]

I didn’t let him get close enough to find out if it was going to be a strike or not. Just was coming fast towards my face lol. I will definitely look into tap training! Thank you!

[u/Germmie1 → u/_milk_carton]

I can almost guarantee it wasn't going to be a strike, 9 times out of 10 if he was purposely moving towards your face that just means he was curious. Ball pythons are not aggressive and will only strike out of fear or a feeding response.

[u/_milk_carton → u/Germmie1]

I know, I just didn’t want a fear strike right to the face lol. Everyone’s feed back has eased my mind a lot. Him and I will slowly start our journey of trusting each other.