But don’t worry, the bites don’t hurt too much! Asked by Wiki User. Ball pythons need time to digest their meal. Yes, of course they bite. As we have said before, a pet ball python will almost never bite. We are passionate about pets and love sharing everything we learn about them. Rather than poisoning its prey, it would more likely constrict, and swallow the prey whole. The second reason a ball python may bite is because theyre feeling stressed and are trying to defend themselves, their eggs, or their food. If you want to learn more about snakes, Lou is definitely the right person to go to. Typically, a ball python will only bite if – it’s hungry or feels endangered. Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? However, a ball python snake bite can be dangerous to your other domestic pets (cats or dogs). Soon, it would start to understand that you are the caregiver and not a threat by recognizing your scent. You might feel pain but it will not land you in the ER immediately. In a general sense, they are NOT dangerous at all. If you have a low tolerance of pain, you should think twice. They are quite protective over their food. In over 20,000 python bites (between the two of us) just one time has a bite resulted in an infection. 8 years ago. The Best Way To Treat Turtle Shell Rot At Home, It Is Super Easy. It’s hardwired to all parents in the world. Do Crested Geckos Like To Be Petted And Stroked? Their bite will usually leave you with a stinging sensation. Ball pythons are often feel both uncomfortable and uneasy when theyre in the process of getting ready to shed, so if you can tell that your ball python is g… Any random issue can disrupt their inner peace and make it aggressive. But regardless of your feelings, the answer for how often to feed ball pythons stays the same. Never 40 61.54%. Be calm, let the snake let go of you first and Do NOT Yank! Ok so we know our pet snake has the hardware and ability to bite but is it any real danger to us humans. That being said, the baby ball pythons like to take a swing at biting more frequently. The main thing is that you will not need to take a trip to the emergency room for the bites treatment.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'supercrazypets_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',108,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'supercrazypets_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',108,'0','1'])); Quite literally the worst part of the experience is the heart sinking shock feeling that comes over you, heck you just got bit by a snake! So, if you can make it believe that you are the “caregiver,” it would start to accept you gradually. To prevent getting bitten, you need to be able to read the obvious signs first. They rarely bite, and when they do, they don’t hold on and break skin often. If you think that the digestive process of the snakes comprises of nothing but swallowing, you would be very wrong. Even wild caught ball pythons rarely bite. What kind of unwanted situation might occur? Those of you who owns a ball python or planning to get one for yourself should know in detail about the issue of biting from ball pythons. Click the link to find out more. Jumping Spider Care (Are jumping spider good pets? Hunger- Just like us humans snakes can get a little snappy when it is hungry. While this breed is often referred to as the most popular kind of captive snake to own, you’ll need to do a bit of research before ownership. Ball pythons can grow surprisingly quickly when they are well fed. The main worry with a ball pythons bite is the shock factor of just getting bitten by a snake. So, if you ever get bitten by the ball pythons, applying disinfectants and band-aids will do everything to tackle the damage. We’ve all seen horror movies with giant serpents and venomous killers. During this phase, all it can feel is the sense of smell. You should keep one thing in mind that every single animal is different and has a different personality. How do you breed a ball python? Kaya. Adult ball pythons should be fed every 10-14 days. Let’s say, your ball python has bitten another of your pet animals like a dog or a cat. For example, a particular ball python might be more aggressive than its siblings because of not being tamed or trained properly. Try to maintain minimum interaction. Remember to be gentle, if you force too much, it will bite even harder. Don’t pet or disturb your ball python during the feeding and the digestion period. A ball python, disregard of being a wild or a pet one, will bite if it’s afraid. Timing is key throughout this delicate time. How Do You Breed A Ball Python. The average humidity levels in your own home will be between 35% and 45%. If you become agitated, it would get agitated too. Just like any other snake, a ball python would go to the “striking pose” before landing the bite. However the above reasons are why you could receive a nip on your hand. In this case, you should leave it be so that it can get familiarized with the new environment. I don't have one but I every time I watch a video of someone putting there hand in there cage I just keep thinking the snake wants to bite them, its just the anticipation that kills me!! Source: clubfauna.com. While you are putting your pet in the warm water, wear protective gloves. The best way to avoid bites from your Ball Python, and any animal for that matter, is to avoid giving it any reasons to strike out and nip you. A ball python’s bite hardly hurt. They do not have the most powerful jaw in the snake world, however their fangs are sharp. Voters 65. I've never had an adult bite me, and most of the babies get sold once they start eating and can be handled. (Jumping spider facts and lifespan), 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? So, they don’t bite too, they swallow. Can they eat cat and…, Are fennec foxes endangered? The threat level is equivalent to a dog-bite or a cat-bite. As you know by now, ball pythons have a poor vision. Do pet rats bite and what is the best way way to avoid it. For a first time snake owner this can be quite nerve wracking. The simple answer is – No. You should know that a ball python enclosure should be kept in a very specific humidity level and temperature. Adult pythons only bite handlers by mistake unless the handler is meaning to cause harm or they feel significantly threatened and uncomfortable. So, you already know that ball pythons prefer peace and privacy when it comes to anything related to food. This isn’t the first attempt she has taken a swipe at me. How Often Should I Feed My Ball Python? Do ball pythons bite? A lot of you guys might know that warm water helps the ball pythons while shedding. A startled snake could bite … So, if you ever see your pet ball python in a coiled-up shape, get away! Moreover, you should avoid petting or handling them while feeding. Eating- This one is common sense really but do not try to handle your ball python when it is feeding. So, you have to ensure that the living condition of the ball python is in a healthy state. In this case, you should worry about mammal limping. The short answer is yes, they can and do occasionally bite. It’s quite normal to feel sad and questioning yourself. Ball pythons are one of the most common reptiles bred in captivity. It may not settle you to know but after a few bites this shock reaction does not even occur.Ball pythons are a favourite amongst snake keepers for their docile nature. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reptiles fall into this…, If you ask most of the people who have been caring for reptiles for a…, For some people the thought of rats can conjure up images of filth and disease,…, If you liked this article please share it :). Ball Python Bite Care: How to Treat It? Most ball pythons are quite docile, which is why they are recommended as one of the beginner … They have rounded teeth, so once they sink em in, only the snake can get it out properly without hurting itself. As the eye caps during this phase, it cannot see anything, and even the skin becomes extra sensitive. This complex process requires precise temperature gauging and proper stimulation of the male and female snakes. However, there are some scenarios that can cause your pet to bite. Do Leopard Geckos Like To Be Petted And Stroked? (Complete Budgie Diet Guide), What does a fennec fox eat? Even if the python doesn’t eat them up, the bite might be fatal for the smaller pets. Are grapes safe for bearded dragons? Do Bearded Dragons Bite And Can It Be Stopped? More than five times 4 6.15%. Leave it be if it is showing the striking pose. After the initial meet with your ball python pet, gradually but regularly interact with it. To be more specific, it kind of depends on how you react. But that’s not true for the ball pythons. 0 0. ... Ball python egg clutches can include anywhere between 1 and 11 eggs. They hardly ever bite even, but when they do, it doesn’t hurt as much as people think it will. So as just mentioned a ball pythons bite is not the end of the world. It only makes sense then that most prospective snake owners or those just getting … You should remember that ball pythons DO HAVE teeth and would bite in certain situations. You might get hurt and even bleed, but often you will not feel the teeth. Just make sure that the child gets a tetanus shot afterward. Do you remember that cheesy yet always-true saying – prevention is better than cure! These nips are more like a quick pinch rather than a bite. Make sure that when you are going to handle your ball python that you make slow movements and do not startle the snake. However,l there are some things that you can do to get instant relief. While many pet enthusiasts are getting hyped up for adopting a ball python, many don’t just because they are scared of snakes. We would try to be as detailed as possible so that you can understand those situations and avoid them. Their bite can be painful, especially when they start getting bigger. When they are hungry, they tend to get a bit excited. You may not vote on this poll. Because of this there are always way that you can adapt your behavior around the snake to stop it from happening. Even my ball python bit me a few times. So, you should consider wearing protecting gloves too while giving it food. Their teeth are razor-sharp, you may end up with damaged tissue and bleeding when bitten by ball pythons. Ball python bites aren’t dangerous, venomous, or painful. So, give it ample time to properly digest the meals. If they bite you, stay calm and follow the described procedures. Ball pythons to do not need very special humidity requirements. Now it is time to check the wound and see what damage has been done. Often, when you first introduce a male ball python to a female ball python, the snakes will not be interested in each other. Do Leopard Geckos Bite And If So Can It Be Stopped? Do ball pythons bite? How often do ball pythons bite? Garden snake vs Garter Snake (How are they Different? Make sure to handle the python with calm hands. Now you are safe to apply a bandage or plaster to the bite wound and changing it periodically as and when needed. Most captive bred animals (like ball pythons) are born with human interaction from day one, so they are accustomed towards being handled most of the time. Breeding can be difficult, but to the true python lover it is sure to be a rewarding experience. Poisonous bite symptoms…. Unless they feel threatened or scared, ball pythons will not bite you. Sometimes, you will barely even feel it. It will mostly bite you if you scare it with surprises during the adjustment phase. So are pet snakes dangerous? ), Ball Python Enclosure and Vivarium Complete Setup for Beginners, (Hydrophis Belcheri) Belcher’s Sea Snake Bite and Venom Facts. Also when picking it up do it in a way that it can see you approaching and never from above as this simulates an attack by a predator. I personally then like to apply one of them alcohol based hand sanitiser gels to the area to make sure any bacteria has been killed. Let the bonding commence at a natural pace. I want to take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck in the ownership of your new pet ball python! You should keep your patience during this phase as it is only natural for them to bite, and soon the nipping behavior will be a thing of the past. There could be a number of reasons behind it. Moreover, a pet snake is always well-fed. So, if you ever notice that the python is not in the enclosure and you have other animals in the house, keep them in a safe location. Do ball pythons bite? And if so does it hurt? The shock is what often makes people panic because they obviously didn’t expect their pets to just strike at them. Fear not though as it does not take long for the shock to subside as you start to remember that it is not venomous and you have read this guide and know how to respond. The head or mouth would be firm and surprisingly calm. The bites are nothing that will need emergency attention. How often do ball pythons eat? The teeth arrangement of the ball python points inner ward. It is also worth keeping an eye on your ball pythons mouth to check out for signs of mouth rot. In fact it has a lot of sharp fangs as can be seen in the photo below!eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'supercrazypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',103,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'supercrazypets_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_4',103,'0','1']));Ball pythons have a row of inverted teeth that make sure that their prey cannot escape. So, you probably will have to see a doctor for bandaging the wound in the worst-case scenario. So, it will be less likely to bite just because it feels hungry and turns aggressive for food. Even the bite can cause an allergic reaction to dogs or cats. Do ball pythons bite? I’ve decided to donate her to a reptile sanctuary as I don’t like her unpredictability and she’s not saleable. As long as the python is well-fed, it will not be a problem. Now, let’s talk about wild ball pythons. In all honesty a ball pythons bite does not hurt to much. As soon as you realize that your pet dog/cat has been bitten, you should rush to a vet. While a ball python’s teeth can be quite sharp, its jaws aren’t strong enough to cause significant damage to your skin. Ball pythons grow at different rates – it will depend on how often you feed your ball python, its genetics and husbandry. You have entered an incorrect email address! They…, There are some animals that make for unique and interesting companions. A ball python raised in captivity typically is familiar with the owner and don’t mistake them for a predator or threat. Snake ownership is on the rise as people are starting to take more enjoyment from the ownership of more exotic type of pets. When frightened, ball pythons may curl into a ball, retract their heads into an “S-coil,” hiss or flee. For example, a ball python will not just bite a hamster or a rat, it would finish it up as dinner! Or Are They Easy To Handle. Mistaken identity- When you are about to handle your snake always wash your hands first with soap and water. Yes, they are, if you have other pets living with you. Although they are typically calm and don’t show temperament, they can bite while eating or if they feel agitated. If you are struck by a baby ball python bite, you will barely feel it – it won’t do much damage. However the above reasons are why you could receive a nip on your hand. Although they are typically calm and don’t show temperament, they can bite while eating or if they feel agitated. So, the conclusion is that a pet ball python that has lived all its life in captivity will remain calm and well-behaved and will never (almost) bite. You ask, and we deliver. Fear- There are not many animals that like fast grabbing movements and snakes are no exception. I get bitten by babies all the time, but they grow out of it, and one ball python normally never bites more than once or twice. Now I will tell you the ways that you can avoid these instances from happening. The simple answer to this is yes. If you put your hands in front of its mouth, it would mistake it for food and bite. If it tries to be persistent, gently try to pry open the jaw. First meal is often 2 weeks after first shed : 1-12 months old, or up to 750 grams, whichever first: Every 5-7 days: 12-15% of your ball python’s weight. One of the most common types of these exotic pet that people are buying is the ball python. So, what does the striking pose look like? For any new pet python, you might get hit with a few quick “nips”. Pythons often eat primates, including monkeys, sometimes orangutans and, seldom, people. So this answer comes with lots of caveats. They have teeth that are more than capable of biting down on you. But you shouldn’t consider a ball python poisonous. Let’s say you might just lose a finger! How often can they eat? No. It takes about five days to digest an average meal for a python. The breeding of ball pythons generally takes about a year’s time. Don’t let anyone who feels jumpy around snakes handle your python. Set up a regular feeding schedule for your ball python so that it never goes hungry, especially around times that you would like to handle it. A ball python bite can be painful in some cases. Applying cold water or ice would help to soothe the pain. It may hurt a bit, but if you wash it off you'll be fine. Ball python bites can be quick and unexpected, so they’re more panic-inducing than harmful. Are Bearded Dragons Social Or Best Left Alone? Super Crazy Pets is made up of half a dozen devoted pet owners including a retired vet who have cared for and looked after just about every pet you could imagine.We pride ourselves on bringing you the best and most up to date guides and tips to help you give your pets the best life possible. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'supercrazypets_com-box-4','ezslot_8',105,'0','0']));Please read on to learn more about if a ball python bite hurts and how you can safely handle your snake so it does not happen. To say it does not hurt at all is a bit of an injustice though to be honest. The same thing can be said about noise too. The bottom line is that the ball pythons tend to be very calm in nature and don’t usually bite. It is their natural pose for hunting. Alternatively, reticulated pythons and black racer snakes are generally more aggressive and can be more prone to biting when threatened. If you want to avoid being bitten by your pet snake, stay away from keeping the less unpredictable species as pets. 4 Answers. It is true for the ball pythons too. Younger ball pythons may eat as often as every 5 days, but as they mature, ball pythons tend to wait longer between meals, ranging between 7 and 14 days as adults. If something disrupts the suitable habitat conditions, the ball python will get irritated. Breeding. The light setting could go wrong too – they don’t enjoy the too bright environment. Here’s a pro-tip, never, ever, surprise it with your presence. A ball python would coil its body only if it’s agitated or hungry. A baby ball pythons bite will not hurt much. Healthy ball pythons are very reluctant to bite their owners. Of course, this is less daunting, as their teeth are smaller and they have fewer. What to do when a ball pythons bites? There can never be one or two fixed causes that fit every case of aggression among the ball pythons. But do they bite all the time? In case, you get bitten by a ball python, even after taking all the preventive measures, you don’t need to panic. Among all the snakes, ball pythons are by far the most popular animal that is reserved and calm. The first thing to do after receiving a bite is to put your ball python back in his enclosure. The best way to avoid bites, is to avoid giving your ball python a reason to bite you. It is a clear indication of a ball python attack. I know it doesn't hurt! Even though ball python bites rarely cause serious damage, it is important to take care of the wound site. The same can be said about the process of skin shedding. Everyone knows that snake fangs are an impressive sight!. Average Lifespan…, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? You must know that ball pythons, just like other python family members don’t have fangs. Bit of an injustice though to be as detailed as possible causing more damage to your cat of! 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Remember to be Petted and Stroked their tongues through the common scenarios where a pet one, will if... Might get hurt and even has her own website on snakes on How often you will barely feel it it. To say it does not hurt much a number of reasons behind it your dog/cat. Away from keeping the less unpredictable species as pets skin tissue and bleeding bitten! By all types of snakes and do not startle the snake out for signs of mouth rot pythons?. General sense, they swallow suffering from the humidity level and temperature of the.. Put your ball python regularly and on scheduled time painful in some how often do ball pythons bite careful! At all is a clear indication of a ball pythons don ’ mistake... After receiving a bite be painful, especially when they are hungry, tend!