**REQUEST** Tutorial on Handling

[ZaVe]

I Have only had my BP since Wednesday of last week. I want to handle him, but I know I have to wait some time before I do it. I just want kind of a tutorial on how I should go about STARTING to handle him. I searched handling on here, and there isn't much information on how to go about doing it.

If someone could give me some steps to take, and what to do if those steps fail, that would be great. I think that this will be a popular thread, and get alot of feedback because everyone has thier own way on how to do it.

Thanks before hand for any information anyone shares.

[Pork Chops N' Corn Bread]

Basically, wait 1-2 weeks to start handling after arrival. Basically handle as often as you would like assuming that s/he keeps feeding and does fine. If s/he strikes(and isn't in shed or you don't smell like food), keep handling and eventually s/he will see that you aren't a threat
I usually tap them with snake tongs to let them know that it isn't feeding time and keep them from lunging at you

[frankykeno]

Great idea for a thread!

Basically for now focus on making sure your husbandry is bang on as far as temps, humidity, hides, substrate, etc. Make sure the snake is taking regular once weekly feedings and don't handle within 48 hours of a successful feeding. There's years of good handling time ahead for you and your snake but only a finite time period to get a new and young snake settled into a good, solid feeding pattern.

Once you start handling just remember that handling is a thing you want, but the snake doesn't necessarily need. It's sort of a gift of snakekeeping really and one we shouldn't abuse by overhandling or putting the snake into situations where it will become stressed and defensive.

We believe in routines with the snakes, simple, basic routines that they can come to recognize in simple, basic ways. When we clean enclosures, it's one routine, another for feeding night, another for handling. For handling we lift hides (if they are in a hide), gently stroke them down their lower backs a few times to let them know we are there and it's time to come out. Once we make sure they are calm to the touch, we lift, supporting their bodies firmly and then just sit down with them in a peaceful place. If they are balled up we don't unwind them, just relax and let them come out when they are ready. Usually we avoid touching their heads as they tend to be a bit headshy but most will eventually allow some nice under the "chin" rubbing if you go slow. If they slither where they shouldn't we just pull them back a bit by the tail rather than come at them from above (like a predator) or from the front (head shy thing).

Most of the time if you are relaxed, I think it helps the snake be more relaxed around you. If handling is stressing the snake unduly, cut back on it. We try to not handle during the day much as these are nocturnal snakes. We also tailor our handling to each snake...some are okay with more handling, some with less, some can be carried around as we move through the house, others would freak over that...each one is very unique and you just have to learn their subtle and not so subtle cues.

Hope that helps.

[jotay]

Jo,
That was really very nice-Props to ya
That was a very in-depth but short lesson on handling.
That deserves a post-it

[Sunny1]

I would suggest waiting until he has eaten for you before beginning to handle him. Which means wait the 1 week adjustment period after getting him, then try feeding him, and if he eats for you then it would be another 48 hours before you could handle him. If he doesn't eat no handling for another week and try again the next week. Once you get him to eat, then you can begin handling him.

When I go to handle my BP, I make sure that my hands are clean, so that she won't detect some scent of food and try to mistakenly strike me. Before I pick her up, I gently stroke the mid part of her back. Touching too near their head or too near their tail can startle them, as it does with my girl and she normally then would try to get away. After I stroke her back I just real quickly, but gently, scoop her up by her mid section supporting the rest of her with my other hand and lift her out of her tank. From there I will either hold her in my hand and let her explore my hand and arm or will go sit and let her chill on my lap. To be honest with you, I was a little afraid at first of her trying to strike me so for a couple of weeks or so I scooped her out of the tank wearing a clean gardening glove. Once I got to know her better and understand some of her moods/poses, I eventually just got over it and did away with using a glove.

Also, I would suggest not handling for long periods of time at first. Short little sessions at first are good (probably around 5-10 mins), while you are getting to know each other. You don't want to stress him out too much. And then gradually lengthen the amount of time you are handling him. I don't handle my girl everyday, probably just everyother day, and definately not during the 48 hour period after she just ate.

I hope that this helps you and is what you were looking for/wanting to know. This is how I do it and it works for me, have not had her even try to strike at me. She has not missed a meal and had recently finished her second awesome shed with me. Good luck!!

[Kizerk]

can be a huge post...but i'll keep it short

they only bite when hungry or scared, now you only have that chance that they're feisty

when i open my tubs,they're always in that striking position, waiting for that thump of the mouse...but when they don't i start talking to them (they start to realize there's no mouse) if i'm really unsure i take a pencil or something and rub the the lower area then just pick them up.

it's not that hard really. balls, esp young ones are often timid, and don't be nervous, hesitant that makes the snake more nervous. so just do it...firmly and steadily.