re: Any ball python owners?

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I do what snake nerds refer to as "hook training." I open his enclosure, reach in with a snake hook (could be any kind of stick) and start to touch him, or gently pull his tail toward me. He immediately snaps out of hunting mode and goes into, "ah crap, that big monster thing is going to pick me up again" mode. You can see him change. He stops watching the movement at the front of his enclosure, ready to strike, and starts trying to escape the thing touching him. At that point, I can just reach in and pick him up.

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Clutch advice.

I used this method last night and you were right. The hook totally changed it's behavior from posted up ready to strike to an "ah shite, he's picking me up".