Plan on breeding in the future, should I handle my future breeders?

[RideRed12]

Alright so I just bought my first morph, a male pastel who was born in july. Now I hope to breed next season and really get heavily into the industry so I was wondering, is it a good idea to handle your breeders like you would a pet? Should I since its young? Why or why not, and also any tips would be great because I am so interested but I have sooo much to learn.

[ed4281]

I handle mine like pets because I feel that the more used to me they are the less stress on them when it comes time to take away eggs etc. Thats just my openion though.

[Alexandra V]

I don't see why you wouldn't handle breeders like pets, it does them no harm and as was stated above, it gets them used to you so they don't freak out when they see you. Lower stress levels generally means better breeders.

[Subdriven]

Mine are my pets.. They are family pets meaning me my wife and kid all handle them.. they are due to this never stressed when it is time to feed, move and clean cages, remove eggs, or any other time I need to take them out.

[SnakeGirl3]

Agreed with the two above. You want to handle them when they are young--you don't want them growing to adulthood and fearing people. Bites hurt much worse from an adult than they do from a baby.

Also, if you're new to keeping them, make sure you absorb as much info on husbandry as possible before you begin breeding. Understanding them and their needs ensures your success as a breeder.

[Easterbunny]

I have a male pastel I rescued from a lady who bought him to be a breeder and never handled him like a pet I cannot do anything with him or his tank without him freaking out or hissing at me . I would totally handle everything as if they were pets it's easier

[shaunwithbite]

I suggest handling them like pets.. I am sure they will feel more secure .. I handle all my ball pythons and they are nice and relaxed ..and it is very true, make sure you keep dates, and records on them especially the ones you want to breed ... watch out for behavior changes.. That's what I do to see if my females building follicles

Hope this helps