Is my guilt justified?

Hey forum

Lately I haven't been handling my ball python because I'm starting to feel guilty about taking him out of his hide since he stays in all day, and part of the night, and looks really comfortable all balled up. Is taking it out of its hide to handle considered an okay practice, or am I just being too emotional about it?

Perhaps coincidentally I've been feeling this way more strongly when the school semester started, and I myself had to wake up when I'd rather be sleeping...;)

As long as he eats well and doesn't try to bite you, and you aren't digging him out of his hide ALL the time, no biggie.

If he shows signs of stress, then the best way to keep him unstressed is to let him know that his hide is a "safe spot" where he won't be disturbed.

My rule for handling mine; if he is in his hide, I don't bother him, if he is roaming around then I take him out if I feel like it.

Don't feel bad unless you are over handling. Unless you started seeing signs of stress, don't worry about it. Sounds like a healthy snake to me.

I only take my snakes out when they are in their hides. When they are hiding, I know they feel comfortable and safe. If they are roaming about, they could be hungry or stressed and I don't want to handle a hungry or stressed snake.

They have all the time in the world to sleep so don't feel bad about waking them up. We have to go to school/work, run errands. Snakes just sit in their enclosures. :giggle:

Awesome. Thanks guys, that helps. You made me feel better. =]