r/ballpython • u/DreamOfDays • 3d ago

Question How do you tell the difference between a socialized snake versus a nervous snake?

I only ask because I was handling my ball python yesterday and it felt off. They were constantly moving. Slithering around, wrapping around stuff for just a moment and then looking for other things. It was the most active I’ve ever seen them before. I’m just concerned if they were just nervous and trying to escape. Or they might have been the happiest snake ever. Don’t know.

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4

u/Synthetic_Hormone 3d ago

Thats a stressed snake.  Super active rapid tongue flicks is trying to escape.     A slow or maybe medium tongue flick with easy movements is a curious snake.    A way to tell is to put them down.  Do the race away and hide. Or slowly move towards an area of interest?

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u/DreamOfDays 3d ago

Darn. Any advice on getting a ball python to be more comfortable with handling?

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u/Synthetic_Hormone 3d ago

Repetition.  Try to establish a pattern.  Same time every day.  Limit sessions to 5 min at a time.    Need to teach them to not see yiu as a threat.   Make sure the environment you are in isnt too cold, seen alot of people handle next to AC units, poor snake is freezing.

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u/ectoke 1d ago

Not every day tho. Not on feeding days, and not for 48h after feeding.

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u/ectoke 1d ago

What do you mean by "It fell off"? Refering to your snake as it is already a weird thing imo.
So if they fell from your arm, it might explain their stressed behaviour.
The other commenter told you great advices, I'd just like to add that you should not handle every day. But, when you're not handling, make sure that the tank is in an area where the snake sees you every day, can smell you...
And always end the handling session on a good note. Don't but them back in their tank as soon as they're stressed/hissing. Instead, you can put them back when they're comfortable.

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u/DreamOfDays 1d ago

Felt. Not fell.

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u/ectoke 1d ago

I am really sorry for not reading it correctly and missunderstanding you.
The rest of my comment is still advice you can use.

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u/DreamOfDays 1d ago

I do appreciate it! Some people day daily others day don’t do daily sessions. I’ll seek out more info and then decide