How to Tame a Ball Python

Ball pythons are one of the smaller species of pythons, topping out at only around 3 feet to 5 feet and are known for coiling up into tight balls when they feel threatened. The snakes are very common in the pet trade and are ideal as first snakes because of their docile nature and smaller size. However, ball pythons do take some work to tame, much of which involves specialized feeding and regular handling. There are several steps you can take to ensure that your ball python will be tame, but it is important to remember that it is best to work with juveniles, as adults that are not tamed may be more difficult to calm down.

Things You'll Need

Unscented soap
Water
Feeding cage
Frozen snake food

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your hands using unscented soap before handling your snake. Using a scented soap or having dirty hands could cause your snake's overly sensitive sense of smell to go crazy, making the animal nervous or confused.
- 2
  Handle your ball python daily for no more than a half hour. This includes taking the snake out of its cage and letting it slither around your arms. Do not grip the animal tightly, and do not shake vigorously. If it begins trying to escape, it should be placed back in its cage.
- 3
  Pet the snake's back lightly while avoiding the mouth. Though ball pythons are not known for biting, touching its very sensitive head could prompt a defensive attack.
- 4
  Feed the snake in a feeding cage instead of dropping its food directly into its tank. A feeding cage can be an extra tank with newspaper bedding or even a cardboard box. Dropping food directly into the ball python's cage will cause it to associate the opening of its tank's lid with food, possibly prompting it to bite you.
- 5
  Feed the snake frozen food as opposed to live food. Live food, like mice, require the python to go into "hunt mode" and strike at its prey, which could lead to aggression. Feeding it frozen mice that have been warmed up for a few seconds may suppress its aggression.