r/ballpython • u/Camopun22 • 21h ago

Scared my snake

I had just handled my 11-year-old ball python ( new to me; I've had her about 3 weeks now ), and 20 minutes after, I came up to her enclosure, didn't open it at all, just came and looked at her. She saw me and jolted super hard back into her hide. I feel terrible about it. Did I just damage the trust I have been building with her?

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u/_sine_nomine 21h ago

their eyesight isn't that good and they are sensitive to movement rather than details. my guy is very trusting and desensitized but every now and then if i move too fast he jerks back. it's called being "head shy" and it's instinct until they recognize it's you and not a threat

2

u/Morgue3as 15h ago

No, you didn't damage her trust. They hide first and ask questions later. We have some sucction cupped foliage on the front of ours' tank so he's less likely to be startled by us walking past cos it breaks up the eyelines and makes him feel more sheltered. IDK for sure how well that works but it's not a bad idea to try if you startle your girl often and it makes you feel bad.

1

u/theonethatgotaway44 9h ago

I've had my guy for several years. He knows I mean him no harm. But he's still head shy. Every snake is an individual and some never grow out of it. Mine is albino so his eyesight is arguably worse, and I try to mitigate it by moving as gently as I can around him.