Ball Python Bite

The Ball Python is a very popular snake pet all around the world as it is known for its Social nature, ease of maintenance, and calm nature. It should also be noted that they have mouths so that they might bite you, but their bite won't be too severe. 

Many Ball Python owners are nervous when their beloved pet is attempting to bite them. This can cause a lot of upset for them, but they don't have to worry, Balls aren't venomous, and in this article, we discuss all the important topics regarding Ball Python bites, including Ball Pythons biting their owners, how can we stop them, and what can we do in case of a bite. All of these questions are covered in this article so Pet owners should read this article carefully in order to avoid any incidents that may occur.

Does a Ball Python bite its owner?

Yes, Ball Pythons can bite their owners on some occasions. The two most common cases involve when the snakes are hungry when they are in defensive mode or both. They usually do not attack people. Unlike adult Ball Pythons, young Ball Pythons tend to bite more often.

Have Ball Pythons got fangs?

A Ball Python does not have fangs, but rather it has around 100 inward curved teeth, four rows on the top and two rows on the bottom, which are constantly replaced in case some of them fall out or break. Most non-venomous snakes do not have fangs, nor do most pythons.

Is a Ball Python bite painful?

Ball Python bites can be painful, but they are not too bad. They are relatively mild, but it all depends on your tolerance to being hurt by a snake bite. Some pet owners have described Ball Python bites as feeling like small pinpricks.

There is a possibility that a bite from a Ball Python may cause scratches, punctures, bruising, redness, swelling, inflammation, wounds, or even serious internal injuries.

Are Ball Pythons venomous?

It is important to remember that Ball Pythons do not have venom, but their mouths are filled with harmful bacteria.

Consequently, you must disinfect their bite as soon as you get bitten so that you don't get too much pain.

What caused my Ball Python to bite me?

Almost all Ball Python owners get worried when their Ball Python bites or attempts to bite them. The Ball Python rarely bites, but there are some situations in which it might bite you, such as the following.

• It is possible that a Ball Python may bite you if you do not give it food on time when it is hungry.
• If you feed your Ball Python with your hands instead of holding tongs, then you may find that they bite your hands unintentionally.
• Whenever you prepare the food for your Ball and immediately you proceed to handle it, they may bite your hand as a result of the smell of the food or rodents going through your hands as you handle it.
• Your Ball Python might attack you if they are in defensive mode due to some threat coming from something. Some signs of defensive mode are hissing, as well as making an S-shaped strike position on their body.
• If you handle them incorrectly or handle them too much, then they may bite you as a result.
• If you handle your Ball Python during the shedding period, you may get bitten by them.
• Whenever a Ball Python becomes stressed because of the wrong setup of the tank, such as incorrect humidity, temperature, or lights, it may become stressed and bite you as a result.

What should you do if you are bitten by a Ball Python?

When a Ball Python bites you, it is essential to take the appropriate steps as soon as possible. Below we will provide you with some tips that you should follow when a Ball Python bites you.

• The first thing you should do is stay calm. If you can remain calm, the Ball Python will not attack you too much.
• The best thing you can do at that time is to take deep breaths and handle the Ball calmly. When you try to pull away or pull the snake off, then you are likely to cause yourself more pain.
• You should release yourself from the Ball Python after handling them calmly. If it's a defensive bite, they will take a while to release you, but if it's a normal bite, they will release you immediately.
• When they release you, you need to calmly and patiently place them back into their enclosure as soon as they are released.
• When you are done putting them back in their enclosures, you should treat the bites that you received from the Ball Python.

When a Ball Python bites you, how should it be treated?

We advise you to immediately treat the wound site where your Ball Python bit you as it can become infected if it is not treated immediately. Below we provide some tips you can follow in order to treat Ball Python bites at home.

• It would be best to apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding as soon as possible.
• When the bleeding stops, wash the wound site using warm water and antiseptic soap to ensure that the wound becomes clean.
• When the wound has been cleaned, a triple antibiotic ointment should be applied over it and a bandage should be placed over the injury site to help avoid infection.

When should I go to the doctor when I have been bitten by a Ball Python?

As soon as you have completed the treatment you received at home and you see that the wound does not heal in a few days, then you should go to the doctor to receive further treatment as the wound site could be infected or some foreign object could enter their area and the bite could become deeper.

You may be given antibiotics by your doctor and if your bite is too deep, the doctor may recommend that you have an MRI scan to determine whether there is any underlying damage caused by the bite and then start treating you accordingly.

How can I avoid getting bitten by a Ball Python?

In order to avoid being bitten by a Ball Python in the future, you must know what to do. To assist you in avoiding being bitten by a Ball Python in the future, we have provided some tips below.

• The best way to feed your Ball Python is to use long-handled tongs when feeding them. Avoid feeding with your hand at all costs.
• Ensure that you always feed them on time so they don't become hungry. Make sure that you have a feed schedule for them. Check out the right way of feeding your ball python.
• It is best not to handle them before and after feeding time, as well as when they are shedding and matting.
• It is important to wash your hands thoroughly after making their meal to avoid them biting you.
• In order not to get bitten by your Ball Python, do not give it sudden movements, and do not touch it while it is sleeping.
• Ensure that the Ball Python habitat is set up properly at all times.