Hello,
Welcome to the Ball Python Planet Blog site.
Today we are going to talk about keeping a ball python as a family pet and things to avoid when handling them around the kids.
OK, so for starters ball pythons will never get big enough to eat a child. I have answered a number of questions from parents talking about their son just bought a ball python snake and they are afraid it is going to attack their baby. Can they, and will they eat my baby? I always respond with the same remark, "Ball Pythons do not get big enough to eat a baby." These are typically very docile snakes that would rather curl up into a ball then to strike or attack something bigger than they are. Now, don't get me wrong they do bite and if you own one you will get bit throughout the time you have it, but they will let go when they realize what they are grabbed on to.
Now lets talk about what you things you should practice when it comes to handling your new family pet snake. The first thing is you should get used to feeding your snake in a separate container from its tank. This is a good practice because the snake will start to see your hand as a means to getting food. The second thing you should do is to not handle your snake after it has been fed. Place it back in it's tank and leave it alone for at least two days. If you plan on holding your snake then do it before you feed it. Another good practice is to wash your hands before you hold your snake this is especially true if you have been touching the mouse or rat in which you are getting ready for food. Snakes do have a sense of smell and might take your hand for prey if they smell it on you. Support the weight of the snake without restraining it when you are holding it.
If your snake is acting a little feisty one day the best way to pick it up is to move your hand over the top of it's head and place it down on top of the head. This can help prevent you from getting bit and is easy on the snake. Another good way to do this is to place a hand towel over its head and then pick it up. Once they are in your hands they will mellow out.
I hope you have found this topic to be a good one and please feel free to leave a remark if there is another topic you would like for me to talk about.
Eric Rovegno
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