Question for snake keepers...

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Conner

Conner

Piranha
MFK Member
Dec 27, 2008
4,461
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Kentucky
How often do you handle your snakes (obviously referring to non-venomous)?


More than once a day?
Once a day?
Every other day?
Once or twice a week?
Once a month?

I'm just asking so I can get an idea of how much time I can spend handling my ball python. I don't want to have it out every night if its going to get stressed, but I definitely got it so that I could have a hands-on reptile pet I could hold frequently.

Thanks guys!
 
For a docile spcies, like a ball python, you can handle it pretty frequently. However, like with any snake, there is a risk of causing stress with extensive handling. I would recomend handling it a maximum of 4 times each week (every other day), but prefferably only 2-3 times per week.
never handle a snake until 48 hours after it has eaten, or else you risk it regergitating its meal. Not only can you end up with a juicy half-digested mouse in your lap, but this experience is very stressful for the snake and may cause it to stop eating.

Best of luck.
 
if i only had one i would hold it and let it cruise and explore everyday but after they eat or while in shed. i have 10 right now and my 7ft columbian comes out to "play" almost everyday. its all up to you. balls are pretty chill and relaxed they will usually just find a spot and relax for a while. but personally the only time i wouldnt is a day after feeding and during sheding
 
I handle my non venomous about once a month (im not a huge hands on person) but it is just enough to keep them docile and tame. I think much less than that would lead to regression in their behaviors. A ball python should be fine though. They are very hardy and almost always tame.
 
I used to handle my boa on pretty much a daily basis (except when she had recently been fed) but atm im going to start doing it every few days instead as i dont like to bother her and i can tell somtimes from her body language that she doesnt want to be handled so i leave her alone in that case but with things like royals and cornsnakes ive usually done it on a daily basis they do seem to enjoy being fussed and handled.

But i suppose it does depend on the temperament of the individual snake aswell.
 
Exodon Man- Your avatar is sweet! LOL

Sorry for the slight de-rail lol.
 
Glad to get some different opinions. I've handled my new python every day but once. I only take him/her out for about 10-15 minutes at a time so as not to over stress it, but I want it to get used to the sounds and smells of me and my fiance and the house. I usually just let it sit in my lap or on my hands until it decides to explore or the 15 minutes is up.
 
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