Handling Jimmy the BP

[jimmysmom]

Now that Jimmy has been fed an appropriate size meal, and I have raised and maintained the humidity between 60 and 55 %, I want to start handling him more. Normally when I hold him or allow my son to hold him, Jimmy is curled up into a ball and really does not move. I fed him on Monday and gave him a few days to digest his food before I decided to hold him. This evening I got him out to let my son hold him, and Jimmy did not ball up as he has in the past. he was loosely curled in my hand with his head sorta darting around (it sorts freaked me out) but I continued to hold him. he sorta was breathing a lil fast so I did not let my son hold him . I thought Jimmy was a little nervous or freaked out. Any advice and suggestions on how to handle him so that he will become used to be held. How long should I hold him for each time, how often? Are there signs to watch for indicating that he is becoming stressed and I should place him back in his home? Thanks in advanced for the help?

[dr del]

Hi,

I generally handle for 15- 20 minutes at a time, after that mine start exploring too much.

They generally do breathe faster during handling and all of mine are headshy to varying degrees. So I think your experiences are right on track, handling every couple of days should be fine at this stage - but cut right back if he stops eating.

[ChelseaV]

I can usually tell when mine are over being handled.

Usually the younger ones won't really move about or explore and my big gal will giving me a hiss when she's over it.
When handling him I think its best to hold them in a manor that makes them feel secure and supports their body. I don't like to let my BP's hang by one hand, I always feel like their spine is better supported if i keep a hand underneath their body. That's just me personally. I also don't like to take the smaller ones out for extended periods of time. I'm not sure how big your guy is but my small ones come out about 10 minutes each and my big girl comes out for sometimes 20 minutes, but shes relaxed and comfortable around us.

I guess the best advice I can give is to try and read their body language. If they seem like they are acting nervous or stressed, I'd keep handling to a minimum. A relaxed snake wants to explore and find all the darkest spaces.
Good Luck!

[DVirginiana]

Mine is usually content to coil around my arm or shoulders and just chill for awhile. When she's done she starts to get antsy and begins moving around more looking for somewhere to hide. I usually don't handle more than 10-15 minutes at a time.

[MysticMoon001]

Alduin's maximum handling time is about 15 minutes each day except after feeding day. He breathes fast as well and is quite headshy, especially when there is a shadow over his head. I kinda guess when I think he's had enough of handling when he becomes more or less like a rock. Lol

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