How to Handle an 'Aggressive' Ball Python

JKR ProTip - How to handle with an "aggressive" (defensive) Ball Python and avoid causing stress and anxiety in your snake that could lead to defensive behavior like striking and biting.

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0:00 Are Ball Pythons aggressive?
1:30 What Defensiveness Looks Like
2:36 Handling a Defensive Snake
4:23 Avoiding a Defensive Reaction
5:14 Why Your Body Language Matters
6:32 Advice for Adult Animals

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Justin Kobylka is a professional reptile breeder who has pioneered cutting edge Ball Python morphs and combos since 2003. He is known not only for producing amazing animals, but for spreading interest in the reptile hobby through his popular YouTube channel and social media.

Justin has traveled worldwide lecturing about Ball Pythons and helping hobbyists develop their passion. He operates J. Kobylka Reptiles out of a dedicated breeding facility in NE Georgia where his innovative work with designer Ball Pythons continues to redefine what is possible with this incredible species.
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[macyfiscus]

I really liked how you put how ball pythons are. They aren’t aggressive or show ill will, they just are very anxious creatures. As someone who owns 7 of them, even this makes me feel better and understand them more. Loved the video!!

[michaelrushing]

My BP and I are currently at a stale mate I try to hold it and it gets scared and when it's scared I'm scared 😂

[DarkseidTCG]

Another protip:

Getting bit doesn't hurt so if it happens it won't ruin your day.

[AlexsAgamids]

Hey Justin. Thank you for making this video.
I work at my local reptile store and once in a while I get a customer with a ball python that is "aggressive". Thanks to this video it'll be a lot easier to explain to the pet side of the ball python keepers on how to work with any snakes that are on the anxious side. I know this information will help a lot of people!

[amelia]

This was extremely helpful. My ball python has a huge biting problem and he’s bitten three people in the last six months. My cousin started this issue by poking him until my snake bit him. Since then, he has bitten my dad and grandpa. I have faith in these techniques and they look very good. Thank you!

[lonesteelwolfjacksonlonewo]

This was very informative thanks for posting this up specialty for us beginners

[lorib]

I never thought about owning a snake until your videos. I was known to handle snakes as a kid and even into adulthood as the person they would send to deal with snakes on whatever golf course I was working at, but your ball pythons are simply amazing and I am soaking up your content so if I do purchase I can be a better pet owner. Thank you for producing educational content rather than clickbait! I would definitely choose to purchase from you

[anonymoose]

I have an adult female that will always ball up when I take her out. I just sit with her in my lap until she un-balls herself, and then she's SUPER inquisitive about her environment. Over time, the amount of time needed for her to relax has reduced significantly.

These animals are intelligent enough to learn over time that you're not a threat to them. Regular handling is necessary.

[hannahwynne]

Those were both stunning snakes!! Thank you so much for this! My new baby arrived in the mail 10 days ago and I want to hold her but she was quite defensive!

[timfoil]

Love this kind of stuff. Pro tips and morph 101s are great. I love learning from the man himself.

[JTWarnerJT]

I have a ball python that was gifted to me from the parents of an 8 year old that wasn't taking care of it. Great snake. For never owning or being around snakes it actually made me feel comfortable. Its been about a month and he shed about a week ago and it's stuck on it's head. It seems like it's blinding him. Obviously he's very defensive. Now being such a rookie snake owner i have a lot of anxiety about getting in there to help him. He tried to strike at me which really surprised me. I hope nobody puts me down for this. I really just want to help him. I already completely cleaned his tank and made it a much more enjoyable place for him to be. Any words of wisdom or guidance would be appreciated cause i feel terrible that i can't build the courage to help him and he really is a fantastic beautiful snake. I hope someone sees my comment and give me a hand here. Thank you.

[JasperH]

Your video really helped me a lot. I used to fear snakes but since my friends had pet snakes I got used to them. And I have a ball python of my own now. But he recently bit me in my nose when. I got to close to his tank when. I took him out to put him in his feeding container. and I've been hesitant to hold him for awhile cause of the fear of getting bit again. But because of your video it helped me so I held my baby boy for the first time in awhile and I'm so happy 🥰🥰

[michellecrutchfield]

Justin that was such an awesome video... your such the master. I could relate so much to your words of: "Oh no, I don't know what it's thinking."

[AkxHaZeE]

They way you explain how the snake feels, and explaining how you need to act throughout handling is so much better

[danielleburbery]

I got my first ball python a week ago. I've held snakes before but they were much older then he is. This is brilliant advice and made it easy to understand so now I know for when I hold him for the first time thank you

[herno]

I’m thinking in getting a ball Python and your videos are very helpful and informative! Thank you so much!

[blacksunreptiles]

Love the break down !! Good work per usual!

[donutcat]

Thank you so much this video really helped me because I am a beginner snake owner and it just really helped me to know there body language now.

[maxh]

Oh my God this actually worked like a gem

[jacobkrell]

Another excellent video. Really enjoy learning from you knowledge and experiences.