Ball Python Striking
A Ball Python is a trendy snake pet all over the world. Their owners love to care for them because of their docile nature and ease of care, but when their Ball Python strikes then their owners become stressed, so their owners don't take stress because striking is the Ball Python's natural defense and is common in these animals.
There are several reasons why a Ball Python will strike you, including stress, illness, aggression, hunger, and improper handling techniques. If your Ball Python strikes you, you should try to figure out the cause behind the strike so they will not strike you again in the future. If you are interested in learning more about Ball Python striking, please take the time to read this article carefully so that you can provide your Ball Python with an enjoyable and healthy life for years to come.
What are the signs that my Ball Python is about to strike?
If you're one of those pet owners who have concerns that their Ball Python has struck them, and they would like to be protected from this attack, don't worry, Ball Pythons let you know when they are ready to strike you by noticing the body changes in them that are listed below.
- As they tightened their muscles and pulled the body in a spring-like position, their heads were slightly raised in an upward position.
- They take up a defensive position, tense their bodies, and become very alert in the event of an attack on you.
As soon as you see either or both of these signs you need to be careful since it could be the beginning of the strike of a Ball Python at you.
What is the strike speed of a Ball Python?
Some researchers have found that the average strike of a Ball Python takes between 45 and 75 milliseconds, or you might say that a Ball Python can strike you four times when it takes your eyes to blink, which is quite amazing.
Why does my Ball Python always strike me?
There are a lot of Ball Python owners who have questions about why their Ball Python appears to always strike them. If you are one of them, you should know that there will be some reasons or you made some mistakes on your part that caused the Ball Python to strike you. Below are some of the reasons with solutions
When you handle them during feeding time or feed them incorrectly
When you handle your Ball Python during their feeding time or when you feed them incorrectly then you may get struck or bitten by your Ball Python. During feeding time, the Ball Pythons are hungry and they are in need of food but if you handle them rather than them giving them food then your Ball Python strikes you or if you feed them with your hands, then they also strike you or bite you.
Solution- A Ball Python shouldn't be handled during feeding times and should always be fed using tongs rather than your hands at all times when feeding your Ball Python.
When they are stressed
You may find that your Ball Python will strike you if you are in front of them when they are stressed. There are several reasons for the cause of stress, including overhandling, changes in the environment, etc.
Solution- It is important to find the exact reason for the stress in a Ball Python, and then treat them accordingly.
If you have just brought your Ball Python home
There is more likely to be a bite or strike if you are trying to handle your Ball Python at the moment especially if you are new to their life and the Ball Python is not familiar with you so they may strike out to defend themselves.
Solution- When you adopt a Ball Python, you should give it some time to adjust to its new habitat, and it should become familiar to you before you handle them.
Whenever you handle them too roughly
A Ball Python can potentially strike you or bite you if you handle it too roughly and hold it too often. It is also recommended that you do not take some quick action in front of the snake because this causes them stress, which then leads to them striking you.
Solution- It is recommended to handle them once every 3 days, and to avoid handling during the shedding period, as well as to avoid taking any immediate action in front of them.
If their habitat has a lack of hiding place
A Ball Python enclosure without a hiding place makes the Ball Pythons stressed or even sick because they have to sleep in a hiding place. If you don't provide a hiding place for them, they start to lose sleep, and they act aggressively by striking or biting you.
Solution- In order to give your pets a healthy sleep, it is important that their enclosure has at least two or three hiding places.
In addition to the above reasons, here is some other reason why your Ball Python may strike you.
- When you aren't able to provide them with a habitat similar to their natural habitat.
- If your pet is suffering from a disease.
- Incorrect temperature and humidity in your Ball Python tank.
- If your Ball Python is afraid of people.
Does my Ball Python strike at the glass?
Yes, there is a possibility that your Ball Python may strike at the glass, as a result of some factors which are listed below.
- It could be that your Ball Python is hungry and that he or she will wait for food.
- There is a possibility that they may be trying to catch your attention.
- If they see some unknown person then they may strike at glass.