[lordmaclean]

I have a wonderful Yellow belly Ball Python. She is still very young. Only about 3 feet long. She is very loving and has never struck at or bitten any one. Ever. I handle her on almost a daily basis. Care for her very well. Take her out into public with me. Just a fantastic snake. However she is a bit head shy. She draws away whenever I get near her head. I try to gently coaks her be petting her head and eventially she gets is and lets me. For a few minutes but then she goes back to pulling away. She knows me well and knows that I am not going to hurt her. I don't ever make any sudden moves on her, and feed her in a seperate tank from her own. Anyone have any ideas on how to break her of her head shyness? I would really appriciate it.

[gizmo980]

Most Ball Pythons (and snakes in general) are rather head-shy, so don't be surprised if that never goes away. I have 7 BPs myself, and only a few of them let me touch their heads... two of them were always mellow like that, but the other got used to it over time. Just be gentle and patient, always approaching with your finger from behind - not straight towards their eyes, as that is very threatening to them. You can start on the "nape" of their neck, and slowly move your finger up to the head. Like I said, this may never become something she tolerates, so don't take it personally!

P.S. I'm going to send you a PM, with a link to a great site...

[lordmaclean]

Thank you very much. I was aware of that being the bread. But I am hoping that she will overcome it. Thanks for the advice. It will come in very useful. Cheers