What makes a ball python strike at an owner?

Answer 1

ball pythons are very sensittive when you touch them, believe me cause i messed with one and it bit me, it hurts like a big pinch and blood will come out (DUH!)

this is not true i own a ball python they are very calm snakes and don't mind being handled they are more likely to curl up into a ball when threatend hence the name ball python.

Answer 2

There are many possible reasons why a pet snake may strike. If the snake is a baby and striking at you, it is most likely because the snake is not used to you and/or is not used to being handled in general. Most snakes have a tendency to become more nippy when they are hungry. Try handling your ball python about 2 days after it eats(so it doesnt puke it back up on you, which is very common in young snakes). Keep handling the snake until it becomes used to you. If it is a baby, handle it every day for about ten minutes a day, and over time it should become more tame. Snakes also become more aggressive when they are about to shed or are in the process of shedding. You can tell if a snake is about to shed because its eyes become clouded over and opaque. If this is the case, leave the snake alone until it has fully shedded. Baby snakes will shed A LOT, so be prepared for this to happen(if the snake IS a baby, that is). Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Usually the reason for a Ball Python striking at it's owner could be more than 1 thing. Ball Pythons are usually very docile unless provoked or if they are in territorial mode. The thing to do before entering his/her cage would be to make sure their not in a striking position, usually it's better to go in behind their head. I have dealt with many different snakes and this seems to be the best way. It would also be good to leave them alone when they are shedding since this is when they are in distress. Hope this helps