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I've heard ball python bites are really bad
- Thread starter Glock23
- Start date
tyflier
[Insert Witty Commentary]
They're puppy dogs, for the most part...but some puppies bite.
Ball pythons are generally non-aggressive, preferring to curl into a ball and protect their heads from danger, rather than strike. That's where the common name "ball python" comes from.
However, like ANY snake species, they can and sometimes do bite. And occasionally, you might find one that is extraordinarily aggressive. I believe our resident Boid Queen, Tula_Montage, has one that is quite aggressive. It's a snake. If you make a mistake, you will know it, in no uncertain terms. Like any and all snakes, their only "true" defense is a bite. If pushed or confused, it could happen. Most of the time, it is OUR fault, not the snake's.
Their teeth are definitely larger than a corns, but not quite the size of a boas. I got tagged by a full grown BCI many years ago, and it hurt...bad...and bled all over the place. But it was my fault. I've also been tagged by my Florida king before she settled down. Not even close to the BCI bite. Since a BP's teeth are reasonably in between the two described in terms of size, I will assume that the pain from a bite would be as well.
That means that a bite from a full grown BP will probably hurt, might bruise, will probably bleed...but it won't kill you. Probably won't need stitches, IF you don't pull away, but will require a thorough cleaning and probably bandaging. So yea...it will probably hurt a little bit. But it can't be that bad. I'd choose it over a dog bite or cat scratch any day of the week...
Ball pythons are generally non-aggressive, preferring to curl into a ball and protect their heads from danger, rather than strike. That's where the common name "ball python" comes from.
However, like ANY snake species, they can and sometimes do bite. And occasionally, you might find one that is extraordinarily aggressive. I believe our resident Boid Queen, Tula_Montage, has one that is quite aggressive. It's a snake. If you make a mistake, you will know it, in no uncertain terms. Like any and all snakes, their only "true" defense is a bite. If pushed or confused, it could happen. Most of the time, it is OUR fault, not the snake's.
Their teeth are definitely larger than a corns, but not quite the size of a boas. I got tagged by a full grown BCI many years ago, and it hurt...bad...and bled all over the place. But it was my fault. I've also been tagged by my Florida king before she settled down. Not even close to the BCI bite. Since a BP's teeth are reasonably in between the two described in terms of size, I will assume that the pain from a bite would be as well.
That means that a bite from a full grown BP will probably hurt, might bruise, will probably bleed...but it won't kill you. Probably won't need stitches, IF you don't pull away, but will require a thorough cleaning and probably bandaging. So yea...it will probably hurt a little bit. But it can't be that bad. I'd choose it over a dog bite or cat scratch any day of the week...
kathylove
Pragmatic & Logical
I have about 30 BPs that I have raised from babies or yearlings the last couple of years. Many of them were a bit "bitey" when I first got them, and some are still a bit nippy. But they have a way of suddenly jabbing, very fast, but short range - much like a viper. I have been "jabbed at" many times, but so far they have always missed, although I think one once brushed a few teeth against my hand. For the most part, if you keep your hands a foot away or so when cleaning, changing water, etc., you will be fine. I think they just get startled if you are "messing around" in their cage and they aren't used to much handling. And so far, I have never had one try to bite me once I have picked it up. Just be cautious until you know the animal. They are very, very different from corns. But after a while you will know what to expect and they won't be scary.
desertanimal
2003 UB313
My BP mistook me as a food item when I was training him onto F/T prey back in the day. Bugger wouldn't let go, tried to eat my hand for a while until he couldn't go any farther. I didn't know the running under water trick back then. He eventually let go. It wasn't the comfiest thing ever, and it was a little bloody, but not too much and all it needed was a good washing. It wasn't anything at all compared to getting bitten by one of his rats, once.
kathylove
Pragmatic & Logical
I haven't had a "real" bite yet from a BP (where it really got a good hold on me), but I have been bitten by a 13' Burmese python. It certainly hurt and bled a lot, but still not nearly as bad as a dog bite or probably even a really hard rat bite. So a BP bite can't be all that bad!
Non-venomous snake bites (except for really big pythons, anacondas, etc) tend to be very shallow, but bleed a lot, so are pretty clean compared to a small mammal bite, which may be more like a puncture. Of course, if you were to get bitten in a really sensitive place (like your face) it might be worse than the usual bite. Don't worry about it - not something worth making a decision based on something that unimportant, and which may never happen anyway.
Non-venomous snake bites (except for really big pythons, anacondas, etc) tend to be very shallow, but bleed a lot, so are pretty clean compared to a small mammal bite, which may be more like a puncture. Of course, if you were to get bitten in a really sensitive place (like your face) it might be worse than the usual bite. Don't worry about it - not something worth making a decision based on something that unimportant, and which may never happen anyway.
tyflier
[Insert Witty Commentary]
Here is my take on snake bites in general...
Whatever the species, if you plan to own a snake, you should be willing to accept the fact that you will eventually be bitten. IMO...it should be part of the equation of snake ownership. Absolutely, you should take every precaution to avoid it, but it *should* be considered an "inevitability".
I don't consider it a question of "if" I get bit, but "when". But that shouldn't dissuade you from making a purchase. If you can accept that as fact, and you are still willing and able to interact with that animal on a personal and personable level, than go for it. Ball Pythons make excellent pets, provided you are correctly prepared to have them and care for them.
They can be picky as regards their food and their enclosure, and they are notorious for stressing easily. But if you can control those factors...the rest is a cakewalk.
Getting bitten, IMO, is the "slightly annoying side effect" of owning incredible animals. It doesn't happen to everyone, but enough to be factored into the equation. And when it does happen, it's usually only mildly irritating, and certainly not enough to make you want to get rid of your animals. It's akin to the tummy-ache Vicodan can give you when you take it for a broken arm. It sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
Remember that a good percentage of snake bites from pet snakes are the fault of the owner, and take precautions to minimize those mistakes. If you do can do that at the same time as accepting bites as an inevitability, and you STILL appreciate the animal enough to want one...go for it.
Whatever the species, if you plan to own a snake, you should be willing to accept the fact that you will eventually be bitten. IMO...it should be part of the equation of snake ownership. Absolutely, you should take every precaution to avoid it, but it *should* be considered an "inevitability".
I don't consider it a question of "if" I get bit, but "when". But that shouldn't dissuade you from making a purchase. If you can accept that as fact, and you are still willing and able to interact with that animal on a personal and personable level, than go for it. Ball Pythons make excellent pets, provided you are correctly prepared to have them and care for them.
They can be picky as regards their food and their enclosure, and they are notorious for stressing easily. But if you can control those factors...the rest is a cakewalk.
Getting bitten, IMO, is the "slightly annoying side effect" of owning incredible animals. It doesn't happen to everyone, but enough to be factored into the equation. And when it does happen, it's usually only mildly irritating, and certainly not enough to make you want to get rid of your animals. It's akin to the tummy-ache Vicodan can give you when you take it for a broken arm. It sucks, but it's better than the alternative.
Remember that a good percentage of snake bites from pet snakes are the fault of the owner, and take precautions to minimize those mistakes. If you do can do that at the same time as accepting bites as an inevitability, and you STILL appreciate the animal enough to want one...go for it.
TripleMoonsExotic
I <3 Stripes!
Glock23 said:
Pfft! They're nothing compared to a hungry 6 foot boa constrictors bite! Try one of those on for size and you tell me which one hurts more! :sidestep:
Corny Noob
Proud Momma
I've handled about 5 or so ball pythons in working at petco, and I've gotta tell you, even when opening up the enclosure and just randomly scooping them up I've never been bit. And these are snakes that deal with people staring at them all day and probally tapping on their glass, they're very well mannered.
Plissken
Crazy Snail Lady
Corny Noob said:
It's really down to the individual snake. BPs are usually well mannered, but they are basically wild animals and they can and do bite. As Tyflier said, I think you should be prepared for the possibility of bites even when handling the most docile of snakes.
IMO I think a lot of BP bites happen during feeding. That's what happened to me - I was feeding mine and he mistook my knee for a nice, warm mouse. Shoulda seen the indignant look on his face. :grin01: (Btw, don't ask why he was able to get to my knee in the first place - error on my part!)
carolinacorn69
Corn, King & Royals
I have 2 BP's and they have never bitten me. My female is a strike feeder and she has missed the mouse before and almost got me. (I swear she tries to get me sometimes :sidestep: ) I would imagine it would hurt a little just going on the power that they have when striking.
Tula_Montage
It's Jager time!
A bite from this dude is sore... but he hits hard and FAST!
Hes 5 times bigger now though :'(
Hes 5 times bigger now though :'(
Tula_Montage
It's Jager time!
I adore fiesty animals. The more aggressive the better IMO!
Apart from when it comes to adult boas. Thank god my girls were calm as kittens.
Apart from when it comes to adult boas. Thank god my girls were calm as kittens.
Jrgh17
Are we there yet?
I've been bitten by my BP (as a hatchling). I was mistaken for a mouse. Honestly, it bled, and it scared the crap out of me, but that was about it. The hardest part was probably unwinding her from my wrist/hand, as I also didn't know the hot water trick at the time.
You can see from the picture, it wasn't that big of a deal.
You can see from the picture, it wasn't that big of a deal.
carolinacorn69
Corn, King & Royals
Hes 5 times bigger now though :'([/QUOTE said:
tyflier
[Insert Witty Commentary]
Sure...when they have hold of you and won't let go, run their head under hot water until they let go. If that doesn't work, try cold. If that doesn't work...try a small drop of vodka. I wouldn't recommend dousing your snake in vodka, but a drop on the part they are biting will usually make them release...
tricksterpup
I has nuttin to Say.
Elle, If you ever come state side, I invite you to come on over and hold this girl bare handed. :grin01:Tula_Montage said:
tricksterpup
I has nuttin to Say.
I will have to say, I have yet to get really tagged by one of my snakes. The only ones that have gotten me or I allowed them were the hatchlings. And getting bitten but a 8-50 g snake is basically nothing. All you can do is just laugh at that.tyflier said:
This is statement is so true. Most people who do get bit by their snake relax to much around them and then Wham. I have a albino demon from hell cal king. This guy hasn't tagged me yet but he has tried. I am quicker and more agile than he is. Plus i am smarter, atleast that is what I keep on telling myself. On the other hand, he has bitten my girlfriend at least 20 times. 5 of those was at one holding.
Now my rule and I am sure many will acknowledge this as well. Always watch where your snake's head is at and watch his posture. You will know when they are ready to strike. Just be cautious and you should be safe. I know one day I will relax to much and will get tagged by one of my more aggressive snakes. It will happen, I just hope its not with one of my big ones.
Oh and Royals are just babies.. you will be fine and not worry. I have only seen one mean one that wanted to take my head off. lol