Ball Python Behavior: How to read your snake's body language 

Your way of describing the danger of anthropomorphism of snakes, while not demonizing it as a whole, is going to reach and touch so many people. And hopefully, by extension, improve the lives and relationships between snakes and their keepers :) Especially new or young keepers. Also, a big bearded man calling his snake baby girl is everything I needed this morning. Lol

This was so helpful! I'm a new ball python "mom" ;) and new to snakes period! I spent my first 50 yrs terrified of them lol Now I love them! I have always been a girly girl and would have never before touched a dead rodent for anything! Now, I'm touching them with bare hands and even drying their fur a bit prior to feeding! That's how much I adore my snakes! I literally used to have a rule that the kids weren't even allowed to say the word snake around me because my fear/phobia was so crazy. How I over came my fear and started loving snakes is by watching lots of YT videos that educate like this video. I love your energy, you seem so laid back and genuinely kind and I love your humor! The skits are great!

I still think it's a great reward knowing your snake considers it safe to be around you either just chilling bc you are a great warm tree or be comfortable enough to explore around you and coming back to you for safety. I do like to imagine they can remember your scent and know if you are a threat or not. And handling my boy is kind of meditating for me bc I try to adapt my energy to his and calm down.

ive been thinking about getting a snake for a while and these videos make me feel more confident in getting one

Whenever I see those snake blanket videos I think about what it would be like to have someone put me on a giant treadmill and tell me it’s the floor

I would say it is good to talk to your reptiles because 1) they get used to your voice and 2) they don’t get spooked when you’re quiet for a while and then speak for some reason. Plus from a human standpoint, it’s just very chill✌🏼

So I’m the maid, the chef, and the transportation. Got it! 😂 It’s much like being a cat mom 😂

my boyfriend compiled a lot of your videos together for me while he is living in the dorms and i take care of his lil guy, this is my first time working with a ball python and your content has helped a lot!!

This is definitely in my top 4 favorite reptile channels! Love the respect he gives his snakes. Also love the comedy sprinkled in!

This video is so informative. I’ve had my ball python for a few months and I’m obsessed with learning his behaviors and mannerisms. Thanks so much for sharing!

I got a ball python a few days ago and he is always in that S shape but has never shown any other signs of aggression, even still I was super worried he’d strike. Thank you for clarifying that an S shape is just a normal thing for snakes to do! Much appreciate all the work and information you put into your vids. Sick beard btw

I guess I'm for sure crazy, because I sing to my snakes. Every night when I check their tanks before bed I come in and sing them all a little personal song that rhymes with their names and usually, they poke their heads out, so it's a plus that I get to see their cute little faces.

This episode was packed with info about snakes that I knew nothing about! Also, Kent looks amazing in mustard yellow!

This is my first time watching him and I don't think I can ever get over how perfect that intro was.

Thank you so much for this. I needed this, first time BP mom. She is almost 2yrs old and I never thought I would love a snake this much😂

I really appreciate you going into the harm and understanding of snakes, Explaining uncommon knowledge and I just really adore your help

of all the videos if pythons and bps i have watched this has been the most educating for me great video keep up the great work

Thank you so much for this video, I just got my first ever ball python a month ago and this really has been helpful. Loving the humour too!!

I'd rather take a bite from a small ball python than a large mosquito.

30 minutes… very helpful. Especially answering questions from a colleague who is just buying a ball python for the first time. She said that she enjoyed your videos quite a lot. I have owned snakes for over 40 years and I find your site. Very helpful.

We just got a ball python and I can't thank you enough for these videos. We still have 5 more days of the new quarantine and have been watching your videos and feel much more comfortable about my son's new choice in pet! We'll be watching more and more because we want to be good snake parents 😊

Thanks, Bob, really appreciate you bringing up topics that other YT's may neglect. Being a good snake caretaker is a constant learning process and hope you'll continue to make such great content : )

Your approach to communication of any kind, be it with people or with your pets, is really refreshing. It shows an incredible capacity for empathy and makes you my favorite snaketuber. It's also nice hearing you talk about snake bites. My partner is brand new to snakes and he was terrified to handle them at first, and he's still afraid of a bite. It's great to have the ability to learn about snake body language, both for him and for me as an experienced keeper. I always learn something from your videos. Keep it up!

I just got my first snake. A ball python. I did months of research realizing after I got him how much I still didn't know lol. Just wanna say thank you for all your info !! He's a super "sweet" (tolerant, confident and curious) lil fellow

I really enjoyed this video, particularly about human behaviors. I was just teaching my son about this kind of stuff. Thank you for educating people.

Lmao at Kent’s sign off! Great and informative video. I like the conversational style and I like your personality 😁 also, great talk on anthropomorphism and doggo and cattopomorphism- I haven’t heard anyone take their time exploring that with their audience yet. Another example is when they cohabitate their ball pythons improperly and they think it’s so cute that they “cuddle”, but it’s really so stressful for the pythons to compete for resources and space 😔

I just want to let you know your educational and funny videos are a nightly watch for my son and I. Thank you Matt & Chase

Thanks man! I greatly appreciate your content. I grew up around snakes but it’s been 20+ years and just got a pied python and veiled chameleon for my first animals of any sorts since being an adult and you’ve helped tons! 🎉🎉

Your videos are amazing. You’re articulate, knowledgeable and amusing. I will never judge you for talking to your snakes. I talk to mine. They aren’t proficient in English yet, but then again, neither are my 9th grade students.

Brand new first time BP snake owner, thank you so much for great information!!

Great video. I do all the research I can to make sure my new snake is comfortable. This was very informative.

I recently discovered your channel and I’ve been loving watching your videos. I have an 11 month old female, she’s very calm. Your videos have been a great resource of information plus Kent is entertaining 😂 brilliant. Thank you for all that you share here.

I bought my 2019 Blue Eyed Leucistic Microscale from N.E.R.D. And had to do so much research on who to buy from, luckily she was used for tours and honestly she just does her S shape with tail straight out relaxed very slow tongue flicks cause she knows I am right behind her rubbing her back she is THE SWEETEST and doesn’t find me a threat and loves to explore, I live 40 minutes from his store here in Plaistow, NH AND HONESTLY HE DOES IT RIGHT and he really makes sure his snakes are taken care of!

I've had both my ball python and corn snake for about a year now and i wish I'd found your channel a while ago! Thank you, and great job, this is the kind of quality content I'm looking for

Came for the pythons stayed for Kent. Kent needs his own "behind the scene" channel

This video was very refreshing and educational! I've had various snakes on and off throughout my life, and never really thought too much into this. The scientific and logical analysis you provided will definitely make me think more about my snakes actions while I am handling her. I've been watching several videos today from Green Room, and all are fantastic!

Mirroring is actually a concept in behavior science and used in animal training for the reasons you’ve mentioned here. It is used a lot when working with equines but a valid strategy to try with any animal and it often can put them and ease. Also, the discussion you had about anthropomorphism touched on uncritical anthropomorphism which is when people personify non-human animals and is important for people to realize because as you mentioned there can be a danger in it or it can be detrimental to the animals. There is also a concept called critical anthropomorphism which is beneficial in the study of animal behavior. Gordon Burghardt has published about it and validates using assumptions about what animals are thinking and feeling based on knowledge of ourselves as a starting point to further investigate what’s actually going on. For example, if we intuit that an animal likes something, is there now a way to test that hypothesis? The snake is pushing on the enclosure door, they must want out: now, is there an answerable question there that we can investigate and determine the real cause? Maybe they do want out but maybe they want to get away from something inside or get to something on the outside or maybe the sensation of rubbing the door is pleasurable , or maybe it’s something else. It’s really fun behavior stuff!

I work in a snake room with 270 ball pythons I'm a fish guy but I've been really getting into this and I watch your videos all day at work. Thank you for this and I'd like to rock out one of your t shirts

Really enjoy your videos, super informative with a generous sprinkling of wit!! Salutations from across the pond and keep up the excellent work !!!!

"The monks of the animal world." I love it. What a description?!

Love your videos , the advice is amazing , two week owner here and have really took a lot on board from you over the 4 days since finding your channel . Thanks 🙏

I never really understood the concept of anthropomorphize a snake to think that it loves you as a person; they just genuinely don't seem to have the awareness to recognize you in that kind of way (which is completely fine! they dont need it in the wild anyways). I've always just wanted to be seen as a safe warm tree when I get my snake, to me winning the trust of an animal that's so shy and fearful means far more to me than the thought of them loving me in any capacity

I constantly talk to my snakes. They have their own voices as well. Now THAT’S crazy!!

Hello! I would like to say that I am enjoying your videos a bunch and am learning things from them. I also like the humour sprinkled in there :P

Love watching your content finally brought my first ball python into my home yesterday!

I’m getting a 5yr old Python on Thursday and watching this beforehand along with a few other videos (from WWR) and your Python is the most “moving” one I’ve seen anywhere.

I talk to my baby too like he's my baby

I'm getting my royal python in a few days. Your videos are sooo helpful and I just love the energy with which you talk about these magnificent creatures. Thank you so soo much for everything you're doing! :)

Oh I am so adding this to my daughters must watch before we get a ball python. ❤️

Awesome video and very informative! It answered a lot of questions I had about my snakes. I’ve had colubrids for a few years and am a first-time ball python owner. Always learning something new!

Thanks so much for all the videos! I just got a banana two days ago he is so chill. Also my first BP, I have several cornsnakes. Very appreciative of all your info!

I just got a ball python baby last weekend! Before I felt unsure if I could handle their picky eating habits, but decided to just be determined if it happens. I've done a ton of reasearch over the years so it's not like I have no idea what to do if it happens. I can't wait to bond with her once she gets settled. I love how chill your snakes are during your videos, I hope to be there myself one day. Thanks again for another great video, I'm slowly going through them but they've all been a delight and you have an eye opening way of explaining things.

Thank you, I have two new ball pythons and I’m terrified to take them out of their enclosures. Once they are out I’m okay but getting them out always makes me nervous

Thank you for your dedication and time to your videos. This video was really great and I really appreciate it. With my silly stubborn mentality, MY SNAKE LOVES ME. With that being said, It's a total human biased thought and I'm really greatful for this video so I know how not to stress or harm my beloved noodle.

You are too funny describing the lady with the slithering snske

My ball python actually taught me english! I love him most because he has helped me embrace my anxiety & help it at the same time ❤

Honestly I talk to my ball python and the reason is is although they don't have a grasp of the English language or language they feel vibration and I know my ball python knows me from somebody else when I talk because my voice is my voice and it sounds and feels like me and that's why I talk to my snake I think it's a good thing they don't need to know what you're saying you just got to say it nicely and would love and they know it's you

Hysterically funny and very informative! Love this video!

Thank you! My ball python loves exploring! She is the sweetest pet I've ever had

I gotta say it. I just got my ball python and your videos have helped tremendously. As a first time owner, your tips and tricks have worked wonders. I hope he eats his first time!

I really hope you read this Bob; Man you are just great. What a wonderful channel, Bob. Thank you sincerely for all your education and teachings on taking care of these lovely friends. You crack me up in every video and I’m always waiting for the next gag. My new BP is on his last week of transitioning into his new enclosure. Mice are on the way. Wish me luck on his first feeding! Humidity is 50-60 norm, ambient is 80*. Two hides. Cork bark tunnels. Hanging vines. A 75 watt heating light on a 12 hour cycle. A nice corner dish. Coco fiber to retain humidity. Some Sphagnum moss too. And a few branches! His heating pad is solid around 88*. His warm side hide is right over it. He hasn’t ventured to it yet but I know he’ll like it once he does. He hasn’t come out of his cool side hide at all. No snake tracks. His initial check over on arrival went great and he showed a lot of confidence. So I’m resting assured that he’s just getting cozy. But wish me luck on my first feeding! One more week to go! Once I’ve had him fed, and a few weeks of handling, I think I’ll take him to my vet (who breeds boa constrictors himself) and introduce my Banana Pinstripe to him and get a nice check up done. Other than that all is well. I appreciate your videos on handling and discerning the snake’s behavior. They’re so good at translating how they feel. My other noodle is a 4 month Kenyan sand boa. So way different species! And my Ball is a 6 month juvenile. So way different handling experience. I’m looking to register him as a therapy animal. I’ll be sure the environment I take him to is safe and non threatening. But I’m getting my doctor’s Emotional Support Animal letter today. So I’m excited to have his picture on an ID card and be able to take him out every now and then. As much as he can tolerate, not pushing his limits. But my PTSD and ADHD is cured with him. I feel his energy in my hands for hours after putting him back! He has already changed my life and it’s only been one week. Anyways, just wanted to say thank you very much. Be blessed I hope you read this and receive it. Because it really means a lot 🙂

Great video! Very informative and helpful for new owners

I've used alot of these tips to understand my first ball python. Now, he is incredibly confident and friendly. Often going with me to the petstores and even using a bird ladder I bought to leave his terrarium willingly. He is my best friend Rather, he knows it or not lol!

The dog behavior comparision is really helpful. They still have personality profiles but that does not come before logic on behavior. It wouldn't be harmful to call a snake cute or curious, it would be harmful to ignore body language to fit that narrative. It's also comforting though, the emotions of a dog or cat can be very overwhelming even with them being limited and having a pet I can spoil who is neutral about me but I can still interact with works well.

thank you for helping me out im getting my first snake next week

Hello there I love how informative your videos are! I’m getting a new snake from a friend I’ve never owned a snake before I also don’t have him yet I’ll get him in a week and when my friend send me a foto of him holding the snake I noticed he was in the pretzel position that you described, I was wondering if he gets in that position when I hold him what should I do next? Should I just hold him until he relaxes a little or should I put him back and try another time? Thank you for being so informative for us newbies! 😂❤

I loved what you were saying about anthropomorphism. People make ALL the wrong assumptions about dog behavior, horse behavior, et al. Snakes are not the exception. I did a lot of work with abused animals, dogs and horses primarily, retraining and doing a Ceasar Millan kind of thing long before he arrived on the horizon, and long before "whispering" was introduced into our colloquial dialog. People misinterpret ALL the dog language, and it's why our world is filled with kill shelters and all manner of animal species misery. Snakes are no different, and if people bonded with them more easily the same outcome would apply. I love what you're doing with Snakes because you're educating well in advance of that happening. Still. We see more and more reptiles and exotic species of every stripe being brought home, misunderstood, used up, and released and introduced to an environment that is more hostile than optimal, to say the very least. So. All sweet comments aside, what you're doing is essential if humans are going to stop acting like morons, assuming that everything on the planet "loves them" when the planet has clearly rejected such assumptions. Bravo to YOU!

thanks for all the useful info you always cover everything best.. just got a ball python 4 months old male for my son...he loves to explore

I came to find out why my snake does the sinching thing around my wrist and now I know! Amazing, thank you!

Huge pet peeve when people try to humanize any animal, including dogs. I've seen people put little dogs in strollers and wearing clothes like its a baby and it's disgusting....regardless of breed or size at the end of the day that dog is 0.00000000001% wolf and people treat it like it's a infant human then wonders why the dog won't follow simple commands. I have worked with so many dogs with behavioral issues because human beings didn't treat the dog like its a dog. While dogs and cats have emotions and the tendency to bond with humans doesn't mean it's ok to humanize them...and defiantly not ok to try to humanize or expect any lizard not just snakes to bond with you. Researching for my first ball python, I have other reptiles in my collection. I love your videos, so informative. This video particularly hits home because I spent most of my adult life studying animal behavior.

im gonna get one one day im pretty sure! thanks for this awesome, chill, educative video!

I have found that... my snake does actually really love to come out of her enclosure. Usually when she's on a "hunt" generally cruising around her enclosure. She does hate the hardwood floor though. So I give her bridges to the carpets and she cruises around the room for a whole until she goes under the couch lol

I am so behind on comments and appreciation! Too much time in my hide. Yes. There ARE many vids on snake behavior but none of them are as fun as yours are! Ball Pythons are not social creatures, nor am I, and that's why I love Ball Pythons. Hugs to you and Kent. lol

❤ So thankful for your information ty 😊 ty 😊 were almost ready...So excited..lol Kent 😂😂Keep Shining..

I love your video. I would get a snake but my boyfriend is horrified of them, but I still love watching you handle your snake. I'm new to your channel but will continue watching your educational videos.

Just found your channel and I really love it! I learn so much🙏🏼

This mans spitting facts some people arent ready for lol. One suggestion if you dont mind is to cut out some of the adjusting and stuff. Once is cool and authentic but any more than that and it feels like its getting in the way of your good content

Thank you for the video. I've had my first snake for a few months now, and while I was able to identify most behaviours, some were still a bit of a guess and I'll try to improve on interpreting them. I did notice my snake feels more comfortable to come out and explore at night, while during the day he just wants to hide most of the time.

I had 2 Ball pythons for 5 yrs. They were awesome. I learned from doing it. I was always aware of how they moved, looked at me and if they were "tasting" the air. They were quite tolerant of handling. Never got hissed at or bitten. Always showed them the respect they deserved. 1 male/1 female. Both were large for this species, male was almost 6 ft. Female was 5 ft. They were sexed several times, as everyone thought my thick male wasn't male. He was big. Very awesome experience with them. Still friends with the gal who took them and cares so well for them. Maybe one day I will have another. A friend has a LARGE red tail Boa. That is a powerful snake, never less than 3 of us if she comes out of her enclosure! She tends to be grumpy. Never had an issue when handling her, always had spare hands nearby though.... Love youe vids, good info!

Really good video! Im one of those people that talk to ANY animal, with a ridiculous voice ofcourse :D But obviously the random toad in the woods dont care, while my doggos loves it. It scares me how people today see animals , or how little they know... speaking of FB groups, geez... I'll just stop here, lol. Luckily there's youtube and people like you that educate!

Just another rock star video , good info daddio

We're all just tools... For ball pythons... Love it! 😂😂😂

Definitely going to take all of this information into consideration, but I still wanna believe my noodle loves me energy doesn’t lie ✨

Talking about Anthropomorphism, yo having real convos with his snakes,hilarious,ayyy we all do it🤷🏾‍♂️😂😂😂😭😭😭

Buddy, thanks you for everything, u are doing awesome job, Keep going!

I owned ball pythons for a decade, I agree with everything you've said. I remember when my first snake was 3 years old. I just got done feeding her and my idiot self didn't wash my hands after touching the mouse. Being overly confident with my snake went to pick her up from her feeding tub and she got me. Not only grabbed me but wrapped some coils around my wrist. She was maybe 3.5ft at this point. The bite was... virtually painless, maybe half as painful as a bee sting. But the force of her squeezing me was incredible. The first time I felt the true power she had. I couldn't get her off me (without hurting her) so I just watched as my fingers turned purple and she tried to wrap her mouth around the base of my thumb. After maybe a minute she must of realized I was to big of a meal and gave up. That was the only time I've been bit... and coiled by a snake. I've had a few strikes here and there from babies. But I had her for 9 years and the only time she got me it was 100% my fault.

Really good video, that all new keepers should watch. Full of great info and experience.

14.40 in. Sounds like me and my wife with our asphalt python 😂🤣

I'm a new ball python mum, having got my first in October last year, and I have found your videos so helpful in educating me and reassuring me that I'm on the right track with my beautiful Ambrose whom I'm in love with completely ❤️ I realise he probably doesn't love me though 😂 I liked how you described snakes as the monks of the animal world! I find it almost like a meditation when I'm handling my snake so I totally agree with this. Much love to you and keep up the good work!

Just found your channel and am loving it! I’m typing this during an ad but am wondering what info you have about letting your snakes see and be around each other? I haven’t introduced mine yet but am curious

This is an older video, but things/animals/people are who they are and thank you for pointing that out in such a non-condescending way. As a former cat, dog and rat owner and a *future* ball python owner, this was super helpful and I am sure I totally would have misinterpreted a ball pythons actions as I would have a ‘loving’ dog/cat/rat. It seems about halfway between those types of conventional pets I’ve owned, and the other “pets” I currently have..( tthe black footed yellow spiders that live in my house who are all named Peter… like Peter Parker… and the centipedes/hundred-leggers (who are all named Henrietta, just because my friend came up with that name. These ‘pets’ do not rely on me for food and do not care about me, especially compared to the dogs, cats and rats I have owned, but a ball python will at least acknowledge me, even if it’s because I provide food/entertainment. Thanks Bob!

The auto-generated Key Moments are pretty great.

Thanks for teaching me how to not get on my snake’s nerves lol ❤❤ I just got two snakes 😅 they are awesome but I’m like ok now what 😂😂

i wish my snake loved me.... she acts like she wants to be around me, but i hear almost everybody say that she is incapable of LOVING anybody. which makes sense of course, but it's sad. every time that i let her free-roam, when she's done, she comes to me. which doesn't mean she loves me. she'll climb around my room, and if she gets spooked by something, she just comes back towards me and hides near me, or under me if i'm sitting down. and i guess my mind just wants me to believe that she finds comfort in my presence, and i guess i'm just... delusional? :( i worry a ton about her, and i want her to be happy. i try not to handle her too much, but also not too little, and not to mess with her, but i'm scared that i'm doing something wrong? i handle her about 20 minutes a day, a few days a week. is that too much? i just don't want to stress her out, or, like, hurt her? i wait 2 days after she eats before i handle her again, and i only have her enclosure open when she's exploring around it, or tounge-flicking all over the place. she really enjoys it when she gets to explore around my room, when i open her enclosure, she immediately comes out and moves around. and sometimes, she'll come out of her enclosure and come straight to me. i always feel like she enjoys being around me. am i crazy? also, i talk to my lil snekko as well. i have no idea why. i've been obsessed with being the perfect keeper the entire time i've had her. all i think about is whether she hates when i do this, or if she likes when i do this, or whatever. but i worry about her 24/7. does that make me a bad keeper? also, i just now got her a new hide, when i upgraded her, and now she doesn't explore as much. does this mean that she likes the hide, or that she feels safer, or that she just doesn't want to move around anymore? i watched your snake behavior changes video, and i'm wondering if she might just be changing? thank you, and i'm sorry for asking so many questions, lol. i just consider you to be an expert, so i thought i'd try to ask... keep up the good work, i love watching your channel!

Yo Kent got me dying 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂

I'm not a beginner, I'm 60 years old and my love of reptiles and amphibians came at about 5 years old. I'd search our yard, turning over small logs in the woods, anywhere I just knew something could be hiding! I brought home and hid countless snakes, turtles and salamanders. My Mom (RIP) She hated all of it. Dad is like me and loved it! Since I've purchased larger snakes my biggest lady was 14ft Burmese. She was a rescue won't go into that. I cannot totally agree on your opinion of snakes becoming attached to the owners. My one in particular Red tail Boa, Buddy frequently managed to pop the doors of her tank. Day or night she would find me and be on my legs or shoulders. On one occasion woke up found her in my bed. 32 years later I've decided I wanted another Ball Python. Finally settled on CB 2022 hatch normal phase little lady. Just reading and watching RU-vid to refresh my memory what they need.

My ball python was over-excited about her meal and over-shot her strike. I had no idea she got me until my finger was bleeding. 😂😅 zero pain.

First time viewer! My son has a BP. She approximately 2 years old. I really like her, but am terrified to pick her up or have her on me. I would really like to get over this fear, but am afraid that she will sense my fear and bite me lol. Any suggestions or advice?

This video was the reason I wasnt phased at all when I unboxed a snake and she immediately bit me. It really wasn't a big deal, and I was able to get her transferred into her enclosure just fine. Lately we have been working with her to get her into thinking mode so she isnt so skittish. I know it sounds scary but even a large breeding female bite was just a few pinpricks. It healed up in a couple days. There isn't anything to be afraid of.

I watched twice so far my ball slithered toward me instead of away from me when given the open tub option. When he reached just over the edge I move in and pick him up, so much easier than just sticking my hands in. It just seems he's more accepting at that point.