There is no question that Ball pythons are one of the most in-demand snakes due to their nature and easy care requirements. Despite their docile nature, they may bite if they feel threatened or uncomfortable.
Ball pythons may bite if they believe their finger or hand is food. They can also be defensive when being handled by someone unfamiliar with them. This is especially true of newly acquired snakes that have not yet become accustomed to handling by humans. So, if you want to have this animal, it’s important to understand its temperament and biting habits before you get it.
What to do if Ball Python bites you?
Ball pythons are generally gentle creatures, but they can sometimes bite out of fear or aggression if they feel threatened. So, it’s best not to handle them while they feel stressed or scared. You need to do these things when bit by your ball pythons.
Removing a Latched On Ball Python
By nature, Ball pythons wrap around their prey to constrict or kill them. They latch on whenever they bite and normally wrap themselves around it for a certain period. This behavior can be startling initially, but this usually happens when the snake feels threatened or scared. Just remember not to panic whenever this happens.
The first step in removing the latch from your ball python is giving them enough time to cool down. Make sure that you have enough space around your snake and make sure they feel comfortable with its surroundings. You don’t want them feeling stressed or agitated during this process, so they will loosen and realize that you are not an enemy or prey.
Once you have given them enough time to calm down, you can start pouring cold water to stimulate them to unlatch. They will feel uncomfortable with cold water and start losing up. Be sure not to grab them too harshly or pull too quickly if they stay still. This will cause more tension and may cause severe injury to your pets.
After the snake is unlatched, it’s important to clean the part bitten or latched on by the snake. You can do this by washing it with running water and soap. You can also pour alcohol or whiskey to disinfect the area. Gently dry the area with a clean cloth or towel before applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You should also cover the wound with a bandage until it has healed completely.
The best way to avoid this scenario from happening is by providing your ball python with the proper environment and handling them correctly. Remember to be mindful that there are moments they have tendencies to bite, such as when they are shedding or feeding. This will be discussed further in this blog.
Want to see a Doctor?
Suppose your snake bite presents signs of infection like redness, swelling, pain or heat around the wound site. In that case, you should seek medical attention immediately, as prescribed antibiotics may be necessary to prevent serious complications from occurring. It’s important to note that even if you don’t experience any visible signs or symptoms of infection after being bitten by your ball python, it’s still wise to make an appointment with your doctor to be safe.
Does a Ball Python Bite Hurst?
A ball python bite will feel like a pinch or mild discomfort. Since these snakes do not have venom and their teeth are small, the sensation won’t be as intense as with other types of snakes whose bites are often accompanied by venom or larger teeth. In most cases, the feeling is similar to being pinched lightly but it should never draw blood or leave any lasting marks on the skin.
Do Ball Pythons Have Fungus?
Yes, ball pythons can get fungi. Some fungi can be dangerous for ball pythons and can be transmitted to humans when the latter is bitten. Furthermore, Ball pythons may also carry salmonella, which is why children below 5 are not advised to contact these animals.
A common Time when the Ball Python was Bit
Ball pythons are generally tame creatures that make great company, especially for beginners and experienced owners. However, like any animal, they can still bite under certain circumstances. This is most likely to happen during shedding season or feeding sessions.
After and Before Feeding
One of the most common times you should be extra cautious with your ball python is during feeding time. Ball pythons have an instinctive response that tells them that anything coming near their face could be prey. Hence, they may attempt to bite if you try to handle them while they are eating or during mealtime preparation. To avoid this, ensure you always wash your hands before handling your snake or after feeding it to remove the scent of the prey from your skin.
During Shedding Process
Another common time when a ball python will bite is during the shedding process. A ball python’s skin is smooth but fragile, so it must shed its skin periodically to keep its scales healthy and strong. During this process, they may be more likely to be more aggressive if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. If your snake begins to shed, it is best to avoid handling them until after they have completed the process.
Best Way to prevent Biting
The best way to prevent your ball python from biting is to handle it correctly and consistently. This means providing sufficient time for your snake to adjust to its new home before attempting to handle it.
You must use gentle but firm techniques when handling your snake. Also, remember not to touch your face or mouth after handling your snake since this could increase the risk of infection or disease transmission.
Lastly, you should ensure that your snake has enough space in its enclosure. Ball pythons need enough space to move and stay active. You must also provide them with proper temperatures and hiding areas so they can feel secure and stress-free while in captivity.