Ball python snakes fall in the family of reptiles that are non-venomous. They are cold-blooded that do not kill their prey by injecting venom and instead squeeze and bite to kill.
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What is Purpose of Ball Python teeths?
The teeth of the ball python snakes are angled inwards that serve two primary purposes –
- helps in latching on to the prey and
- swallowing their food.
How may teeths Ball python have?
On an average, the Ball python snakes have around 30 teeth in their mouth and more importantly have no fangs. These are lined in four rows at the top and two at the bottom of the jaw. The density of their teeth also depends upon their age with younger snakes having lesser teeth in comparison to adults.
The ball python is dependent on their teeth for catching prey. The teeth are small barb-like in shape and size. They frequently lose their teeth that regrow quickly.
Do Ball Python bite hurts?
The ball pythons are generally harmless and quiet. They are non-aggressive and don’t attack humans. Even when threatened, they contract their bodies and resemble a ball, hence the name ball python. At times, they get aggressive and bite humans. Yes, it hurts but that is not very harmful. There are many explanations for it, and if observed carefully, one can understand the cause.
What it means when Ball Python opens his mouth?
Frequent opening of mouth by Ball python is one such indication. Ball python usually exhibits such behaviour due to Respiratory infection. Stress and gastrointestinal infection can often induce the ball pythons to open their mouth excessively. Such diseases make the harmless snake edgy, and it attacks when provoked.
Also read– How to take care of Ball Python
Stress, fear and wrong handling besides diseases can result in snake bite. However, the young ball pythons don’t have that many teeth as adults. The bite from a young ball python is not only innocuous but also nearly painless. It is less painful than the usual bruises one gets in the playground.
However, the bite from the adult ball python is a little painful but bearable. It is the psychological impact of getting attacked by a snake that appears to be most harmful to humans.
Can Ball Python bite can cause Infection?
It is essential to understand that ball pythons are harmless and seldom attack humans. However one shouldn’t get lethargic if your pet snake bit you. It is so because one may be allergic to snake bite. Also, snake bites even by nonvenomous ball python may cause diseases such as Salmonella.
How to remove Ball python biting on your skin?
If the python has latched on to the skin for too long, then pour cold water or any alcoholic beverage at the affected area. The snake will quickly release the skin. If the snake bite has resulted in bleeding (4-5 drops of blood maximum) then clean the wound with warm water. After that, touch the surface with finger to ensure no snake teeth is left there otherwise it may result in infection.
What to do, if Ball Python bite you?
If a ball python snake bites you, you can immediately clean the infected region with warm water and soap. Once it has dried, add antiseptic ointment to avoid infection.
The best approach to cope with such a situation is to remain calm and, if required, contact the doctor and ensure that the infection will not spread.
Can we remove Ball Python teeth?
Some people like to keep ball python as their pets at home. However, the affection towards the snake evaporates once the owner or any family member gets bitten by the python. As mentioned, the ball python snakes are nonvenomous, but snake bite may prove to be mentally distressing for a few. It prompts some people to go for removal of teeth of the snake to avoid such a scenario in future.
No, I will not recommend anyone to remove ball python teeth. The removal of snake teeth is pointless as they regenerate quickly; however, it is very wrong to indulge in such a practice.
Is it cruel to remove Ball Python teeth?
Yes, it is cruel to remove Ball Python teeth. The teeth are attached to the jaw and are sensitive; thus, teeth removal is excruciating for a python.
The ball python is entirely reliant on its teeth to hold onto and swallow the food. Thus, removal of teeth is not only illogical but cruel for the ball python. After that, one has to feed the snake forcefully. The loss of teeth may shock the python, and as a consequence, it may stop eating and starve itself to death.
The removal of teeth of a ball python is an exceptionally abusive and barbaric treatment to the reptile. It severely jeopardizes its ability to survive for long.
Summary
Ball pythons are harmless reptiles that feed on tiny rodents, birds etc. They are nonvenomous, and instead of deadly poisonous fangs, the predator constricts their victims. The jaw structure of the ball pythons allows them in gripping and swallowing the prey comfortably. Although harmless, sometimes the ball python attacks and bite humans too.
The snake bite isn’t much pain, but one must take precautions and attend to the wound. One shouldn’t be careless in handling their pets and must understand the risks. However, under no circumstances, removal of teeth of ball python should be considered. It is exceptionally cruel towards the snake and may result in the untimely death of the ball python.