r/ballpython • u/boyoingoing • 16h ago

first time owner advice ?

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hi there! i got miss Soliel about a month and a half ago. She is currently eating a rat pup every week and her breeder said she was born in June. She is finally getting curious enough that she is sticking her head out of her favorite hide anytime I am near. Now, I don’t know much, but based in the research I have done, she looks defensive? I have a snake hook coming in to get her a bit more desensitized to handling and she is not hissing but she is significantly more interested now that she has settled in. Realistically, I guess I am asking, give me an ELI5 explanation of snake body language. I want to do choice based handling as well so I am hoping to hear more advice geared towards that. Handling is also NOT a must but I am unsure if I should be handling her while young and small. any help is appreciated!

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u/-AceofAces 16h ago

Each snake will be different in their behaviors.

The S shape you're seeing can mean multiple different things, the most obvious sign is defensive/hungry but realistically doesn't automatically mean your snake is gonna strike soon. If they are tense (looks like they are tightening their entire body), in the S shape, eyes locked on you and your movements. There's a high chance they might strike.

As you learn your snake you will start understanding what is and isn't a defensive position.

Most likely she is curious on what you're doing and came out to investigate

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u/boyoingoing 16h ago

any advice on getting her used to me? right now I have just been sitting with her with the tank open for a bit (only open for like 5-15 minutes) and working around her for a couple hours a day but I am not sure what is good pacing.

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