If your ball python is healthy, be intentional about learning to handle and tame your snake correctly. © 2012–2021 My Pet Python. Ball Pythons pick up on nerves, and it can in turn make them defensive and more aggressive Avoid handling your Ball Python in large crowds, areas with loud noise or heavy vibrations (think music bass), and in areas that other unusual or unfamiliar stimuli Stress can cause aggression. This means, that if in the unlikely event they were to bite you, you would not be susceptible to any serious toxic reaction. I also have a cat blog, as well as blogs on a slew of other topics. I created My Pet Python when I first adopted my pet snake: an adult ball python named Havana. Burmese are probably the next calm. If you are contemplating the Ball Python snake species, then you are going to want to learn more about their temperament. You should also be sure to take them to a vet early on to have them checked and examined. This is also the time of the year when a snake's activity level slows and some snakes prepare for winter shutdown. Click the link to find out more. This is mainly when eating, shedding or when protecting their eggs. The question of which pet snake makes a better option is a matter of what you want or expect from your prospective snake. If he is striking at you it means you're bothering him. Crammed into tiny tanks, subjected to inappropriate conditions and cruel breeding practices, the many thousands of captive-bred ball pythons … Be sure to give them plenty of time to recuperate and keep them well fed during this time. Pet Educate is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. For the most part, captive-bred ball pythons are docile snakes that are easy to handle. a ball python is a very nice, sensitive snake . Consider purchasing some snake handling gloves that will prevent any scents and also keep you safe if your ball python did attempt to nip. If given the chance, there are aggressive ball pythons that can bite their caretakers and also various other individuals. This is mainly when eating, shedding or when protecting their eggs. (Photo courtesy of Ohio Division of Wildlife). Are Corn Will it just be you in the room with your snake? Mentally the shock from a bite is usually more concerning that the pain or the damage caused by the small teeth. I have had them both going on 10 years now. Love reptiles, especially ball pythons - I think they're some of the coolest & most stunning pets around! Yes, about 33% of our hatchlings will try to bite you. The ball python is a snake native to sub-Saharan Africa. Many bites reported by breeders come from baby ball pythons. You may be surprised to learn that reptiles are among the most poorly treated pets -this is due to many misunderstandings of their needs, requirements and life stages. Stimson pythons are typically ground dwelling, however do enjoy higher basking spots. Many ball python owners observe that their pets yawn from time to time, which is considered to be their normal behavior. In terms of temperament, both male and female ball pythons are quite docile, and are rarely ever aggressive. I wanted a place to share all the tips & advice I dug up while I was researching pet care, hoping the research I did could help others along the way. Your snake must familiarize himself with your scent using their vomeronasal organ. These serpents are constrictor snakes; however, they are not the largest of their kind, growing only 3 to 5 feet, at most. If you did need to get something out of their enclosure, then again, using a good pair of protective gloves is a good idea. Is the TV so loud that you can hear it in the room? Some of the larger species, such as the Burmese and reticulated pythons, are large enough to constrict and kill their owners. So that is the firs thing you need to do. Make sure humidity and temperature are optimized as these are crucial to the health of a snake. So, are ball pythons aggressive? Ball pythons are calm and usually non-aggressive, are very curious, and like to explore in and out of the cage. During times of shedding, you must make your snake feel as comfortable as possible and avoid handling them. They grow slightly larger than ball pythons and are thick, heavily built snakes. Enrich The Enclosure. Everything you need to know and more! Most are reluctant to bite, but every so often you’ll encounter one that’s a real striker. Ball pythons are extremely docile and rarely ever bite. But even a ball python might be aggressive, due to different reasons. Some ball pythons will be aggressive when they are … Rectics are the most likely to be aggressive; although, despite what someone else said, anacondas are the most aggressive of the large Are male ball pythons more aggressive? This is not personal; there is usually a reason. Ball pythons (python regius) are the most popular pet snake due to their non-hostile disposition. Consider using tools like snake hooks and tongs to make it easier to handle your ball python. You don’t want that to be your hand. No, they are not! If you learn how to handle them correctly, it won’t be long before they are back to being the quiet animals that they are. First of all, let´s distinguish baby Carpet Pythons and adults. Gentle care over time. Some might say that these snake breeds are aggressive but that’s not the case. For this reason, it is imperative that if you are looking to handle your snake, you should wash your hands thoroughly beforehand. Taming and handling a ball python is one of the main things that every owners looks up to when getting a pet. Do Male Chickens Lay Eggs? Females are normally larger and may also have more pronounced and defined patterns. The pros and cons of choosing a female ball python rather than a male normally center on size, habitat requirements, and the possibility of breeding. Here are the most common causes of aggression in a ball python: Occasionally, ball pythons will become aggressive when they are about to eat. You ask, and we deliver. Any random issue can disrupt their inner peace and make it aggressive. These are some good, cost-effective ones for a Ball Pyhton purchase on Amazon. To tame a ball python, provide the reptile with an appropriate habitat. Optimize their environment, and be patient when first bringing them home. ], Can Sugar Gliders Eat Grapes? When they can and often do show signs of aggression is when they are protecting their eggs. foxes and cats. Ball pythons don’t have great eyesight, so these animals may lunge at anything you put in their cage, assuming they can eat it. So, ball pythons that have been captive bred (nearly every ball python pet is captive bred) are even less inclined to bite. This is why when a snake sheds you are unlikely to see them move much. Ball pythons are defensive, not aggressive. Remember: fasting is a normal behaviour a ball python uses in times of need. You therefore need to ensure that you are not starting to do something incorrectly, inadvertently harming the snake, or causing them any discomfort. Heat Mat Thermostat Controller. A snake also becomes grumpy while it is shed. This will rule out the possibility of any health issues. Protecting wild ball pythons isn’t our only urgent concern. Both male and female ball pythons will likely be slightly more agitated and aggressive during the shedding process. Educating yourself upfront will help you to prepare in advance and know when and when not to confront your snake. We'll see you soon… You ask, and we deliver. There is no drawing line between female and male ball pythons in terms of aggression. They rarely bite humans. Make sure you know how to hold them properly, feed them, and provide them a dwelling so they can feel safe and happy. New skin is very delicate and can tear easily too. Ball Pythons Vs Boa Constrictors – Which One Is A Better Option? Other times ball pythons might bite if they smell something edible on you. I decided to conduct some thorough research into the topic. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases; learn more here. If you have just got your ball python or if your ball python is aggressive, you need tips on how to tame down a ball python. i have a 7 year old ball python and he has never been aggressive, in fact ball pythons are great classroom pets because they are really slow, dont bite, and aren't aggressive. The ball python is an ideal beginner snake for any novice snake owner. When snakes shed their skin, it causes them to be more irritable than usual. In time, you can look to handle them more frequently as they become more comfortable and confident in you. Ball Pythons tend to curl up into a ball (like their name suggests) and hide when they are frightened. Everything you need to know and more! Ball pythons are considered of the most docile pet snakes, so many people choose them as their pet snake. Ball Pythons do not posses fangs, nor are they poisonous or venomous. Are ball pythons arboreal? Hi, I'm Elise! As a beginner, you may not know how to tame an aggressive ball python, but your pet can be calmed down relatively easily. Otherwise, they are likely to attack. Filed Under: Ball Python Pet Care, Choosing Your Pet Python, Handling, Snake Facts. This will give you a good idea of each snake’s temperament. Exposure to humans and handling from a young age (even from birth) decreases the tendency for all snakes to bite “for no reason.” These serpents are normally accommodating as stated earlier since they usually tend to just crinkle up … Blood python-- These snakes are not for beginners, but they are generally safe to keep as pets. Both male and female ball pythons will likely be slightly more agitated and aggressive during the shedding process. Ball Python Care Sheet Basics & FAQs At this point, you’re probably wondering if a Ball Python is right for you your kids. This doesn’t mean that these are “bad” reptiles, but they do have their natural instincts which have been formed over thousands of years. If you would like a ball python as a pet, but concerned about their aggression, its a good idea to visit the breeder/pet store and physically handle each ball python you are considering purchasing. For the majority of the time that a ball python is kept as a pet, they will be calm and gentle. Ball pythons were named for their habit of curling into a ball when they are stressed or frightened. Male ball pythons are equally as aggressive as female ball pythons. Really aggressive ball python Hello everyone, My name is Steve, I just got a new ball python about 4 weeks ago. My advice is to purchase a healthy baby or yearling, so you can shape its behavior as it grows older. It's the largest snake in Africa and can grow to be 20 feet long. Blood pythons are known to be aggressive and you need high humidity for blood pythons, Blood pythons also need a place to soak in there enclosure. One of the reasons ball pythons make excellent pets is because of their docile and easy to handle nature. Pet Educate strives to be the definitive online resource to help you learn everything that you need to know. However, it is important to note that it could be that you happen to have an ill-tempered Ball Python, which does happen. [Do Hens Need A Male To Lay? Aggressive individuals or extremely frightened pythons, on the other hand, may react in different ways, namely biting. Ball pythons are gentle snakes that got their name from their defensive nature where they coil into a tight ball. Their small size and docile nature makes ball pythons easy to Although the vast majority will be extremely non-aggressive, some are more aggressive than others, and handling a specific pet will allow you to get an idea of its unique temperament. my email is : samantha.slayton@yahoo If you're interested, you can check out my other blogs here. Pet Ball pythons are generally a bit shy, but they make for ideal captives, because they are of a small size, are generally friendly, are easy to care for, and come in a remarkable array of colors and patterns. Consider it a ball python super power! Are they considered aggressive and viscous and is there anything you need to know in order to keep yourself safe when owning them? Do your research, and invest in the best products available ahead of time. Learn more about My Pet Python here. Depending on the age of your ball python, they will shed their skin on average every 4 – 6 weeks. Burmese pythons are more at home in the water. the boa is aggressive and you need to use caution when handeling it. Ball pythons are popular pet snakes among many exotic pet hobbyists. In fact, Ball Python bites are rare. We will help answer any questions that you may have and provide as much information and research that we can to help you take the best care of your pet. NOTE : All snakes should be housed separately and apart from other snakes, even those of the same species. If you are considering buying a pet ball python but are worried about it potentially being aggressive, be sure to visit the pet store or breeder that you want to buy the snake from and physically hold each of the ball pythons you are considering getting. Some ball pythons are aggressive and will bite their keepers if given the chance. Erin J. Hill Date: January 18, 2021 Female ball pythons may get aggressive after laying eggs.. Here's what a future snake keeper The Right Home. Handle your snake frequently, repeating the process twice a week at the most in the early days having adopted them. There's no reason to kill it. As mentioned before, a female ball python will be particularly aggressive when she has laid and is protecting her eggs. If this was to occur, they are not considered to hurt much at all. You’ll feel some localized pressure in the area, and you may need to prize your snake off if they grip tightly. Ball pythons earned their name because they roll themselves into a ball and tuck their heads into their coil – they are mostly timid snakes and relatively easy to take care of. With that said, specific triggers can cause aggression in ball pythons. Snakes don’t have a well-developed sense of hearing, but the TV being too loud might stress out your snake. Considering that there's a possibility you can easily end up along with an aggressive one, this is only a suggestion. The most popular way is to keep your baby Ball python in a 15-20 gallon terrarium. Remember that snakes don’t like sudden movements or screaming kids; this could make your pet feel defensive. Try taking a spray water bottle (with just water of course) and spray him so he balls up or retreats and then pick him up. Ball pythons are considered of the most docile pet snakes, so many people choose them as their pet snake. Burmese pythons are more at home in the water. These are the ones I swear by and purchased on Amazon. Earning your snakes trust will go along way to eliminating aggression towards you and other members of the family/guest. If you want to learn more about how a Ball Python behaviors and the specific triggers which can cause aggression (and how to handle such events) then be sure to keep reading until the end. Female ball pythons, like their male counterparts, are usually non-aggressive. Backing off and giving them the space they need is enough to calm them. It is only natural for a particular ball python to be more aggressive than the rest. Yet this behaviour is quite understandable. That being said, putting your hands near your snake during this time is still not a good idea; it will cause them stress which is not good for their health. Some are just this way, regardless of what you do or how you like after them. But even a ball python might be aggressive, due to different reasons. As this is not their average temperament, it normally indicates that something is wrong. Skin shedding is a very uncomfortable process for most snakes, and you must treat your ball python with sensitivity when they are dealing with this process. One of our favorite things to do is spend time in the snake room together. Ball pythons are normally docile creatures that very rarely attack. One of the reasons ball pythons make excellent pets is because of their docile and easy to handle nature. For this reason it is important to give your snake plenty of space around times of egg-laying and do not look to move them or handle them during this time. They are naturally shy and calm so it doesn’t take long for their aggressive attitudes to stop. Males are usually not aggressive, and neither are the females except when they are protecting their eggs. For example, a particular ball python might be more aggressive than its siblings because of not being tamed or trained properly. Every snake owner must become aware of these stages and treat their snake with the sensitivity they deserve to get through these more challenging times. Feeding, egg-laying and certain smells are other factors to look out for. This is all assuming that you have set up and optimized the enclosure for their needs and requirements. boas tend to be more aggressive than ball pythons . The only time in which a female ball python is likely to show signs of aggression that a male does not, is when they are protecting their eggs. Is this true? This is usually because they regard anyone coming close to them as competition attempting to steal their food. Are ball pythons for kids? In the event of a bite, you need to remain calm. Pet Educate is sponsored by its readers. Pythons are not venomous, but they can still be dangerous to humans. As is the case with constricting, ball pythons … This will happen quite often if the baby python is new to its environment. When Ball Pythons ‘attack’ in the instance, they may lunge at you. We are pet enthusiasts and love sharing everything that we learn about them! Let’s look at ideas, that you as an owner, can use to enrich your snake’s mood and wellbeing: You must allow time for your ball python to become used to you. Ball pythons are sexually dimorphic, which means there is a notable difference in size between males and females. Nonetheless, there are things a snake owner can do to reduce the stress and improve the snake’s quality of life. When frightened, ball pythons may withdraw their head into an “S-coil,” hiss, flee or roll into a ball. It’s important to rule out why a ball python is acting aggressive and try to fix this behavior. You need to consider that when you get a new Ball Python, they need to acclimatize to an entire new environment and habitat. Otherwise, ball pythons are typically quite docile creatures, the exception of course being the very rare and few ill tempered ball pythons. No, ball pythons are not generally aggressive. Purchase a suitable enclosure and then ensure it has all the various elements inside to keep your snake healthy and content. I’d like to present my findings here to you today. But yawning may not seem to be the right term for ball python as humans do but it is stretching out their jaws. Ball pythons are not aggressive by nature, so they’re an easy target for our greed. I tell all of my new owners that snakes are not to be handled regularly because of the stress it can cause to some snakes. Choosing a Good Ball Python. Don't panic though considering that this sort of habits may be squared away with time. The site is a compilation of research I dug up: guides on proper ball python care, tips for choosing a pet python, a variety of snake facts, and many other miscellaneous snake-related articles. Most of the commonly kept snakes (Ball Pythons, Corn snakes, King snakes, etc), will easily settle down into a routine, which includes you holding them, or picking them up to clean the cage. Are the Carpet pythons aggressive? Unlike other constrictor snakes kept as pets, ball pythons do not grow to large sizes. For example, if you played with a mouse, hamster, or any other type of rodent, or even if you handled meat while cooking. Ball Pythons are known to posses good temperaments. Ball pythons are not generally aggressive, but you must learn what possible triggers can turn your normally contented snake into one that may attack. They start as tiny, 10” (25.4 cm) hatchlings, but males typically grow 2’-3’ (0.6-0.9 m) long, while females grow to Enclosure: There are many different ways to keep a Ball python. From there you should find a healthy, content snake less likely to show signs of aggression. There are certain stages in a snakes life that would cause them to behave with more hostility than others. Each of these species of snakes although they are docile, have different dispositions and qualities. It is also recommended that you purchase a Coconut Fiber Bedding as this naturally retains humidity and absorbs and breaks down odor and snake poop. Scan the room you plan to put in your snake’s enclosure and try to detect if there is anything that your snake might perceive as threatening. Ball pythons are relatively small compared to other pythons, and they are the smallest pythons on the African continent. If you are looking to become a breeder, look into purchasing a rack system. Dealing with an aggressive ball python can become a real headache, especially knowing that they do not typically behave in this way. Fire Ball Pythons are quite easy to care for if you know how. That species is smaller, faster and arguably more aggressive than its big cousin, and thrives on higher and drier ground. Ball pythons are likely to bite if they smell anything that is edible to them on you – if you’ve played with a hamster, gerbil, or any other type of rodent, or if you’ve cooked with chicken or chicken stock, make sure you get rid of the smell completely before trying to pick up a ball python. Click the link to find out more. Please assume that all links are affiliate links, which means that if you click a link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission - at no additional cost to you. It is best to acquire a Ball Python in person at your local pet store. 1.1 Myth No.1: All Carpet Pythons are aggressive! However, a female Ball Python may become aggressive when she is guarding her eggs. Also be careful of your clothes and sleeves; sometimes even the smell in the air can absorb into your clothes and be enough. You must try to stay away from females when they have laid eggs, particularly when they are still close to the area in which they were laid. Tiny is an African rock python, a species of snake with an especially formidable reputation. When conditions are just right they will respond with an aggressive feeding response. But is that a surprise at all? They are popular pets due to their a calm, non-aggressive temperament. They can deliver a nasty bite, like any other python, but they do not grow large enough to be dangerous to humans. They are gentle-natured snakes that rarely attack. In this post, you will find questions and answers on ball python behavior meanings, such as why is ball python burying itself, yawning, hissing, hiding all the time, flicking tongue and tail, what does a stressed or relaxed ball python look like and more. But there is always a chance you will end up with an aggressive snake. Their bite can be painful, especially when they start getting bigger. We will be examining all such topics in greater detail in the following sections. Yes, a ball python can be aggressive but you can also learn how to tame it. If the issue is related to health or cage aggression, it can usually be … Washing Hands Before and After Snake Handling, Slithering Out of Her Skin: Photographs of a Ball Python Shedding. Sometimes when they are in shed they can get real defensive because their vision and sense of smell are greatly reduced making them paranoid. Some ball pythons will be aggressive when they are preparing to eat, as they may perceive anything that comes near them as competition trying to steal away their food. Hides and foliage offer your pet with a suitable place to hide as well as helping to regulate your pet’s body temperature. No, ball pythons are not generally aggressive. Healthy adult snakes can go a year or more without eating. 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