Ball Pythons have 4 rows of teeth on the roof of their mouth, and 2 rows on the bottom part of their jaw. First, if they are hanging out in their water bowl more than normal, they are preparing to shed. Sometimes, fresh snake skin can be sensitive, and they do not wish to be handled during this time. The exact amount truly depends on the age and size of the snake. More often than not, they will only make this pose when getting ready to eat. We saw a reptile vet who gave us a wash which we gently rub on for a few minutes, leave for ten and then clean off with wet paper towels gently. Yes, ball pythons do bite. Pour a mild first-aid disinfectant over the wound, allow it to dry, and then add a triple-antibiotic ointment. Posted by 4 months ago. Still have the scar. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his beautiful wife and spoiled-rotten Rottweiler. She seems to love when I have my front door open, she at very least pops her lil snout out of her hut to see what’s up, but most often, she is out of her hut and exploring the whole side of her case nearest to the door. It may be time to upgrade your Ball Python’s tank, sounds like he could be frustrated due to a small home. Was he maybe just not into the mouse? If you’ve found this article helpful, please share it with your snake-keeping friends! Additionally, learn to recognize your ball python’s body language. A ball python bite does not hurt. Ball pythons are reluctant to bite tough, if you are asking because you want to get one, a frigthened ball python will first curl into a tight ball before it bites you; or stay in 'strike' (a tight S shape with their necks) for a few minutes before making up its resolve to bite you. tonight was my first time getting bit. Wow — 38 years old? Does a ball pythons bite hurt? Some of the best examples would include: All of these things hurt much worse than a typical ball python bite. Remember that ball python bites are not only inconsequential in most cases, but they’re also relatively rare, as these are typically shy snakes who don’t bite often. So I was gone for 2 weeks on a trip to California. If this doesn’t work —. If you’re looking to see how much they cost, we have a full pricing and care guide. (BTW I got most of my information at https://www.youtube.com/user/NCNatureNews which is goherping). Now, there are some times when you should be more wary of disturbing Ball Pythons, as these are the most common times bites occur. There’s no muscle debilitating side-effects that will happen, and you will certainly not have to rush to the hospital for anti-venom. He’s aggressive he strikes at you just for walking by and we don’t feed him in his enclosure so whenever we have to feed him we put on an oven mit because he strikes without fail every time . Also after a bite it is generally recommended to get a tetanus booster if you haven’t had one in 5 years. After removing the snake from the bitten person, it’s best to wash the wound immediately with soap and water, then treat it with an anti-septic. If you thought ball python bites don’t hurt... Close. Ball Python Bite 101: Causes, Treatment & Do They Hurt. Also, be sure to share any of your thoughts or experiences with ball python bites – as well as any questions you may have – in the comments below. When handling your snake, be sure you’re confident. And I had one of my other friends who owns a few snakes, feed my snake while I was absent. I still remember my very first bite. The first is the play bite or love bite. Yes, it hurts! In fact, a variety of common injuries typically hurt much worse than a ball python bite. We have a 38 year old 4 foot ball python that was given to us 2 years ago by someone who could no longer keep it. Second, if you see their eyes are turning blue, this is a dead giveaway that the are about to shed. Ball Pythons do not have fangs, and are not venomous at all. Always use caution if you’re bitten by a ball python, and seek medical treatment. There are nearly double the amount of teeth on the top row vs. the bottom row in the mouth of a Ball Python. The best thing to do if you get bit is remain calm. Thanks for writing in :). Today I got her out and was holding her while I sat on the porch. sorry to hear that. I did and she instantly released me and curled into herself. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. (1) An adult ball python is certainly long enough to get around a baby’s neck. The age and therefore the size of your snake will also factor into the perceived pain. Just bought a Ball Python for my 17 yr old grandson. Ball Python bites typically don’t hurt at all. Now do you get why it’s best not to yank a Ball Python off of you in case it bites and latches on? You might have a few tiny drops of blood if you ever get bit. Didn’t hurt but the shock was overwhelming. A couple of days ago, she was very lethargic, litterally laying sagged over my arms. im all good though! I’ve been feeding him rat pups weekly. This means that bites are not very common at all. Ball Python Teeth. Just picked up 2 ball pythons and the one bite me as soon as I picked it up. The teeth facing backward also helps swallow and digest the food once a Ball Python constricts and kills it’s prey. If you thought ball python bites don’t hurt... 9 comments. We are beginners as well. I just bought a banana ball python for my daughter 13th birthday and just wanted to say thank you for the info, This was really helpful because am in high school think about becoming a reptile keeper and handling all types of snake and other reptiles, I have had my Firebee for almost a year, had her since she was a hatchling. Your snake is probably in shock, because it’s never experienced anything like that in it’s life before. Fantastic choice! However, even before your ball python will strike a bite, it might have given you some warning signs which you didn’t notice. It also makes your snake comfortable. We love them by any name! Give it time — hatchlings can show aggression because they aren’t used to you yet. Consequently, snakes and Ball Pythons are typically vulnerable and defensive right after feeding, too. However, the initial surprise from your snake’s attack may cause you more panic. Reasons for Ball Python Bites The best way to avoid bites, is to avoid giving your ball python a reason to bite you. There are a few guidelines you should follow in order to not hurt the snake. Below, you’ll see the exactly when you should avoid handling your Ball Python to prevent biting or striking. Being calm is key. May be worth a vet visit if the issue persists. He’s kept and bred a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians over the last three decades, but he’s always been particularly fond of snakes in the genus Morelia and monitor lizards. Well first, snakes are not poisonous. I will however point out that if you do JUST go in EXPECT to be bit, not that you will but expect it. Poisonous creatures/plants don’t have any method of injection. Ball Python teeth are angled backwards, so they can latch on to prey more easily. <3. Handle your Ball Python regularly so they become familiar with human touch and your personal smells, Feed you Ball Python on a regimented schedule, Keep an eye out for warning signs and snake body language that indicate it’s going to bite you, Make sure whoever is handling the Ball Python is confident and calm, If someone is nervous and jumpy, do not let them handle the snake. Yes ball pythons do bite. With that said, here’s what you should do if a bite happens. Ball pythons will only bite on occasions they feel very threatened. I’m not going to lie i geeked. With any skin break, cleaning with lots of (clean) water is probably most important. In any case, it unfortunately happens sometimes. He’s never been aggressive before or after shedding in the past, even when we “help him” at the end of it by letting him swim in an inch of water in the bathtub to remove it from his eyes, etc. Now both of her lights went out while I was gone as well but where I live the humidity is perfect but her heat is a little low. Snake Bite? This helps with two things: Now, just how many teeth do Ball Pythons have? So the victim does not get hurt from the bite instead they may suffer from the mental shock of getting a bite from a snake. This is a way of your pet telling you, “Not now. Do not disregard advice from a professional veterinarian because of something you read here. Adults bites hurt worse than babies. He latched onto my knuckle and then let go about 10 seconds later. He’s always been the sweetest thing for 3 years he never even struck at a person. If you yank a Ball Python off of you, it will make the bite much worse and cause you more pain because you’ll likely rip more of your skin off by doing so. Copyright 2018-2020 © All rights Reserved. I’ve decided to donate her to a reptile sanctuary as I don’t like her unpredictability and she’s not saleable. Admittedly, this isn’t easy to do, but it will help mitigate the severity of the resulting wound. Was I skiddish around him for the next couple of weeks absolutely. You have a couple days to get that, so no need to rush to the emergency room for that. Hi there, sorry to hear about this situation! I have been doing some research on snake bites. Sometimes Ball Pythons get a little stressed — he was probably just spooked. First, I’d give it some time. That means they squeeze their prey. Press J to jump to the feed. She isn’t letting me handle her, she is striking at me and hissing (pushing the air out of her body). While their teeth are quite sharp, ball pythons don’t have strong jaws. The only caveat to this would be that a bite to the face, throat or some other delicate area may be more serious. unfortunately, its part of snake ownership… sometimes, it happens. Ball python bites are very rarely serious, and taking sensible action will minimize the already-low damage. Turns out it’s time to up his feed size. Don’t touch me”. I’m not going to lie to anyone here being bit does hurt. Simply put, ball python bites are not very painful. They are all faced backwards toward the body of the snake. Check out our ultimate guide to Ball Python ownership, What To Do When a Ball Python Bite Happens. However right now he has a bit of a case of scale rot we are treating. Well I got a phone call from my friend saying she would only eat one mouse out of the 3. Doesn’t hurt, might leave a mark, probably wont bleed and the snake goes immediately back to exhibiting docile behavior. 3. My ball but when when he was only two months when I was feeding him. This article was really helpful. Ball Pythons are known to latch on when they bite. Good move with the cold water — that’s a great way to get them off when the Ball pythons latch on. On the other hand, many non-venomous snakes have teeth, including Ball Pythons. Animals, especially snakes, can pick up on emotions, and this will cause them (and you) more stress during an incident. This will help prevent it from becoming infected and allow you to heal as quickly as possible. Whether your ball python just bit you, or you are trying to learn about bites before you experience one firsthand, you’re probably wondering why your snake would bite you in the first place. Also, because these snakes don’t reach very large sizes, their bites rarely cause a lot of damage. Your email address will not be published. Neosporin, rubbing alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide should all do the trick. Even though my first nip came courtesy of a species with slightly longer teeth (a carpet python), I still remember being shocked at how insignificant it was. I’m worried because he is getting ready to shed. However, there are occasions in which they may bite you. This isn’t the first attempt she has taken a swipe at me. I’m fine and will pick her up again tomorrow so she has time to not be as stressed. So, do your best to remain calm in the event of a bite. She would nuzzle her head against my hand and I was able to pet her head without her recoiling as she doesn’t usually like it. I don’t understand what’s wrong. It is advised to provide a substrate in your snake s tank so that when it is time to clean, it will be easy and not much of a hassle. Ball Pythons, and many other snakes for that matter, tend to strike during these times. This is normal. Generally ball pythons will curl into a ball rather than bite you. Hognose Snake Care Sheet & Guide to Ownership, Corn Snake Care Sheet & Guide to Ownership, https://www.youtube.com/user/NCNatureNews. On average, Ball Pythons have about 25-35 teeth. You may also want to gently run your fingers across the site to ensure you can’t feel any teeth present. Things like hissing and maintaining a tense body posture are two of the best signs that indicate your snake may be feeling frightened. Thanks for the info! Once we found him it’s like a completely different ball. Has always been very docile and sweet. It doesn't feel pleasant, but it's not bad. I think this was an eye opener to really pay attention and be respectful to their mood and body language. For instance, a defensive bite is very shallow and painless. Always support your ball python s body and avoid fast movements. We didn’t even realize it had teeth! It was good info because his point was you couldn't expect to never get bitten and since my son was only 10 he wanted him to understand that it wasn't cool to rehome a snake because it bit you. But it was my fault I was being stupid and holding him after I put the mouse down and he thought my thumb looked tasty. Your ball python likely got confused, bit your hand, and was stressed after that happened. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy question to answer, as ball pythons (as well as most other snakes) only bite for one of two reasons: Bites that result from mistaken identities are quite easy to avoid. A few, which came at the hands of much larger species, were definitely not fun, but those from ball pythons were never very troubling. If you own a Ball Python, you should take heed to a few steps so you know what to do if a bite occurs. Ball Pythons pick up on nerves, and it can in turn make them defensive and more aggressive, Avoid handling your Ball Python in large crowds, areas with loud noise or heavy vibrations (think music bass), and in areas that other unusual or unfamiliar stimuli. I was absolutely comfortable with my ball python, I felt love towards it but today it bit me so this has really helped but now I’m too scared of him . If you are bitten, it will definitely hurt a little bit (we’re not going to lie to you). Typically, only venomous snakes have fangs that inject venom into attacked prey. She’s unpredictable in comparison to my male python, he’s never taken a swipe at me. He’s a year old. It may hurt a little, or a lot. We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and, hopefully, feel a little braver about your pet. The Ball Python Behavior (Common & Unusual) and Health, put your ball python back in his enclosure. Snakes also become defensive around the times they are shedding. HELP PLEASE!!! Don’t be scared afterwards just try not to make the same mistake. He tried again the next day and she didn’t eat anything. I screamed bloody murder it was the pressure and him moving his jaw around that hurt the most. Best of luck, and don’t lose hope in your Ball Python! One of the most noteworthy emotions a Ball Python can have is the strike position. They are not snakes that will readily bite in defense. I’d suggest not bringing her outside for a while, and when you do, make sure she’s been fed recently. Until he escaped and was loose in the house for 2 weeks. If youre having difficulty getting a ball pytho… poured a cup of cold water on him and he came right off! It’s pretty easy to tell when your Ball Python is getting ready to strike you. I dropped the mouse during feeding and reached in to get it, the snake struck me instead. While their teeth are quite sharp, ball pythons don’t have strong jaws. Happyserpent.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Couple points from a medical perspective: Believe it or not, Ball Pythons do have teeth. The first thing to do after receiving a bite is to put your ball python back in his enclosure. All reptiles have emotions, and there are some clear warning signs you can pick up on. Pull any stuck teeth out with a pair of tweezers and wash the wound one more time for good measure. Only about six people every year die from complications resulting from a venomous snake bite. As your python gets bigger, the more you will feel it if it decides to bite you. Does a Ball Python Bite Hurt? All those little jagged teeth could do some serious damage if you try to force remove a latched on Ball Python. Then a silver sulfate ointment, and every three days a shot we administer. Pythons bite first and would attack a human in two ways: 1. . Hello would that be the same for a Ghost Ball Python? So, if a bite occurs, it’s still important to wash and treat the wound — especially if their has been a puncture and blood is drawn. Ball Pythons will be come defensive during these times, too. I gave her 2 mice and she ate both but when I sat in front of her as usual to give her company while she ate, she struck at me and every time I walk past her she struck at me. Most of the bites reported by breeders come from hatchlings, babies, and juveniles. I have 8 ball pythons and have had balls for two years, I've get to get bit. i’ve been thinking of getting my own ball python, and i found out that there’s quite a bit of requirements. Look at the wound carefully and try to determine if any teeth remain in your skin. The grasp of a Ball Python bite is surprisingly strong, and the pressure from the bite is often more alarming than the damage that happens because of the bite. Read on and we’ll explain what to expect from a ball python bite, why your pet may bite in the first place, and what to do afterward. It's painful, but nothing a little hydrogen peroxide, and neosporin can handle. As a baby, a bite does not hurt. After reading your article I think she might have attempted to get her out of terrarium to feed her too soon after shedding. I pretty much read this article while my ball python was latched to my arm! Glad you found my blog post helpful, and happy to hear your sister is a proud new Ball Python owner! Do Corn Snakes Bite? The bite from my ball python was nothing compared to the rodents and small mammals. Your snake may feel threatened, causing him to bite in self-defense. hey there ! Under very rare circumstances, ball pythons may truly believe a part of your hand is food, and therefore may refuse to release their grasp on your hand. 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