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Summary: Learn how to handle a ball python in this free video on snake care.
Nichole Bragg is the reptile expert at the Pet Kingdom in Cottonwood, Arizona. Call them at 928-639-4283.read more
"On behalf of Expert Village, I'm Nicole and I'm hear to tell you about Ball Pythons. When you're handling a ball python, what you need to remember is they are constrictors and they do have very sharp teeth. All snakes have hundreds of teeth in their mouth, but Ball Pythons have fangs, they have four total; two on top and two on the bottom and they do curve backwards. Now when you are holding a Ball Python, this is why you do not want to hold it close to your face, just as a precaution. No matter how friendly your Ball Python is, it's still a wild animal, and you still need to keep it away from your face. Ball Pythons are very docile snakes. In response to fear, instead of striking they usually tend curl up. These are the best "first snakes", especially for young children who would like to get into the hobby of having a snake. It's very easy to tame them, all you have to do is hold them on a frequent basis, and they will easily get to know who you are. They will like the warmth of your skin, that's why snakes like to be held. They obviously do not produce body heat, being a reptile, and the warmth of your skin when you are holding them is something they really enjoy."
eHow Article: How to Handle a Ball Python
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Comments
ballpythonlover said
on 8/2/2008 Ball pythons do NOT have fangs - they are NOT venomous. They have teeth. Overhandling ball pythons can also stress them out and can be a contributor to fasts if they are overhandled.
sugarmagnolia02 said
on 8/2/2008 With both hands.
jay36 said
on 8/2/2008 On behalf of Pet Kingdom the scripts nor the videos were ever reviewed by the ownership. We are sorry for any misinformation these videos contain. As I'm sure you've already guessed Nicole is no longer employed with this company. Once again sorry for any misinformation.
wingedwolfpsion said
on 8/2/2008 *facepalm* Ok, rule one--never put a constrictor snake around your NECK. It may tighten its coils due to a fear of falling. Ball pythons do not have FANGS. They have a row on top and a row on bottom of long recurved and very sharp needle-like teeth. These teeth are replaced through the animals' life when they wear out or break. They have around 100 to 150 of these, not 'hundreds'.
NO reptile is a good choice for a pet for a young child. Older children (age 10 or more) may keep one with heavy adult supervision. Adults should know THEY are responsible for the welfare of the pet, not the child. Reptiles may carry salmonella bacteria, so hands should always be washed after handling them or cleaning their cage. Where was the part about how to handle a ball python?
To handle a ball python, first be sure the snake is not expecting food--tapping it with a hook or other object, or a gentle spray of water, can help to defuse a hunting snake. Reach in when you are sure it's not looking for prey, and touch the snake's body, away from its head--stroke it a few times, and then lift it. Keep the head pointed away from you. This will help prevent painful 'feeding mistake' bites, or defensive bites.
evuser17556 said
on 8/2/2008 What is a good way to pick up a ball python?