Can Ball Pythons be handled often?

I'm still trying to decide between getting a Ball Python or Red Tail Boa. I know it varies between each snake but on average, can Ball Pythons be handled often only excluding when they are in shed and the first 48 hours that they've eaten? I'm getting my new snake next month and if I can't get both.

Like youve already said it all depends on the snake. But I make it a priority to handle everyone daily. Either as I'm cleaning the racks or just hanging out I Give a few minutes to each. A few minutes each day when the snake is established, eating, and comfortable will not hurt.


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I handle my BPs every day except the day of and 48 after feeding. I usually have them out for about an hour to an hour and a half and they aren't bothered by it.

I handle my RTB for longer and more often than my BPs, but that's only because she seems to enjoy it more. When my family came to visit my sisters fell in love with my BPs so they were handle fairly frequently and for long periods for a week and don't seem bothered at all.

I handle all my snakes as often as I can, usually that means daily except if they've just eaten (and for 2 days after). Once the snake is settled in and taken 2 meals in a row for you (that's the rule I go with for any snake), then you can slowly introduce handling to the snake, say 10 minutes every other day for about a week or two, then slowly make the sessions longer and more frequent.

After that, when they're used to be handling, you can handle as long and as often as you want, except the 48 hours following a feeding.

It varies by snake but I generally handle anytime other than the day of feeding. I don't do the 48 hour thing. 24 hours tops for mine. But I know mine and how they react. So until you know your snake, 48 hours is a good rule of thumb.

I handle all of my BP's and boas as frequently as possible. IT really is a snake-to-snake thing, and a couple of my grumpier females would rather be left alone sometimes, but I make sure even they get some handling time if I can get them out without being tagged a few times :D

Can they be? Sure

Should they be? Nope, It often leads to stress.

My mojave BP seems to enjoy being out and held. I usually hold him for an hour and a half every night when he's not digesting or in shed. If he doesn't seen to thrilled I'll cut it short but still make sure I give him time. My Dum and BCC (red tailed) female like being out and handled a lot. The Dumeril likes to coil up on my lap and watch TV. She'll stay there all day if I let her (probably to make my cat jealous).

Some snakes don't like to be handled in long bouts (some snakes don't like to be handled!). I've met BPs and red tails that weren't appreciative.

On another note. My BP and my Dum will stay very mellow and hang out on me. The red tail (the one I have that won't try to tare my face off) is very heavy (nine feet and not sure on the weight) doesn't sit still. She is always on the go so I don't have her out as long. Its a bit of a chore to get her out every day. I'm not sure if all red tails are like that of just her:rolleyes:

Both are great no mater what you choose. I think it will come down to size. 4-5 foot BP or a lot bigger red tail (my male BCC is 11 feet!!!)

Luck to you:)

I handle my snakes a few times a week. I've found I have a lot more success feeding if I limit my handling. Handling isn't enjoyable to the snake. They tolerate it. Handling is much more of a keeper pleaser :) I do have a few snakes that really don't mind staying out for extended periods but overall I would recommend handling a few times a week. If you're feeding properly I don't think you would have time to handle a lot more than that. Just my two pennies :)

Regards,

B