How often can you handle a ball.

How often is it ok a handle a ball. My son is six and wants to hold it every day after school. Is this ok? It's only out for about 5-10 minutes but want sure if that was ok. We gave him a full two days after he ate first and will continue that with every feeding. Any suggestions.

As long as the BP is eating and overall is acting normal there is no hard limit. 5-10 minutes a day is fine. But if your BP stops eating, or is acting abnormal/stressed you should reduce/stop handleing the snake until things return to normal. Just follow the snakes lead

I handle 2 of my BPs every day and simetimes for an hour or 2. They havnt stopped eating and dont seemed stressed. Like Aaron said as long as he keeps eating then its ok. Your son can handle him whenever. Except after feeding. Some say they get a little nippy when they are in shed. Personally ive never had an issue with that.

Thanks guys, I guess ill let him continue to hold until I notice something off with the snake. I appreciate it!

I ordered my spider BP from another large breeder similar to BHB and she was a bit scared, stressed and nippy when I first got her. She now tolerates being handled (and was advised to by my breeder) twice a day for around 30 minutes each time. I started with 5-10 minute sessions once a day for a week, bumped it up to 5-10 minutes twice a day, and I am up to twice a day for 30 minutes (except feeding day and the day after). She has warmed up nicely and I think she expects to be picked up as when I walk into the room she slithers out of her hide seemingly to say, "Here I am, I'm all yours!" (not really but I like to believe it ;)).

I handle mine whenever. I've never had a problem with them stressing out.

thanks so much for posting this question. my son is also six and we just got our first BP. he wants to hold it ALL the time...LOL!

You are suppose to let it settle in for about a week before handling and even then try not to handle it too much until its eating regularly.

I think you really should handle your snakes every day if you can. Except if they are stressed, have just eaten or, eyes are clouded pre-shed.
I think it helps keep them tame, routines are good for most animals.

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Originally Posted by Raven01

I think you really should handle your snakes every day if you can. Except if they are stressed, have just eaten or, eyes are clouded pre-shed.
I think it helps keep them tame, routines are good for most animals.

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Why shouldnt they be handled before/during shed? Is it because they can be nippy?