Handling time

[PastelPython]

Depending on the weather, can Ball Pythons be handled for very long periods of time? Also, is it bad to handle a ball python while it is fasting?

[mommanessy247]

considering bp's a very shy timid snakes it would be too stressful for them to be handled for more then 20 minutes at a given time. i've noticed that around that time my girl starts making a beeline for the nearest dark hiding spot. that's my cue that it's time to put her back. and the weather really has nothing to do with good/bad handling times unless your taking the snake outside for handling time...
from what i know the times when handling is a no-no are:
1) when you first get them, they need at least a week or two to settle in to their new home before any feeding or handling is done.
2) when they're "in blue" during the shed cycle (although i stop all handling during shed as soon as i start suspecting that my girl is going into shed.)
3) during the 2-3 days directly following a meal.
other then those times i handle my girl about 2 x's p/ week for 20 minutes each time.
keep in mind no snake likes being handled they just tolerate it. it has no benefits for them, just gives us the pleasures of "interacting" with them.

[Alexandra V]

As long as the weather is warm enough, the snake is properly settled in as was said above, and the snake has had about 2 days to digest it's last meal without disturbances, then there's no problem handling it, inside or out.

Personally I can handle my snakes while they're in shed, none of them get particularly crabby or stressed, but that's a matter of knowing your snake. If your snake seems to be high-strung, then I would refrain from handling during the shed cycle because it could stress them out enough to give them a bad shed.

[Skittles1101]

Depending on the ball python itself you can handle for much longer than 20 minutes (not at first of course, you will need to work up to longer periods). I have one that I can take out with me (in 75*+ weather of course) for hours at a time while I'm running errands. He's always a good conversation starter Those three times are definite no-no's, but other than that if they are social and tolerate being handled in the house I see no reason why you can't have them out for extended periods of time. They probably don't enjoy it, but my Julius doesn't seem to mind. He just hangs out around my neck and tucks his head behind my hair lol. I do have bps that I don't take out for long periods though because they are a little high strung to begin with and I don't want to give them any more reason to not eat for me lol.