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  • 06-28-2012, 10:21 AM
    SRMD
    Which snakes prefer handling?
    I know snakes do not like being handled but they will tolerate it and i know balls don't like to be out for too long, but i have heard people say that they have their boas out for hours?
    so what type of species prefers being with humans for a longer time?

    Thanks in advanced for all replies.
  • 06-28-2012, 10:27 AM
    el8ch
    I think most if not all reptiles will "tolerate" some form of handling. It really all depends on the specific animal and not always the entire species. For example GTP's have a reputation for being pretty nasty, however I have seen certain animals that are puppy dog tame and handle with ease.

    Most of our Ball Pythons will tolerate periods of handling however we only have one educational animal the experiences prolonged handling and he exhibits no signs of stress or feeding problems.
  • 06-28-2012, 11:57 AM
    Mike41793
    From my experience 3/5 of my bps do not really enjoy handling. Theyll tolerate it for me for awhile but you could tell it stresses them.

    I dont have any boas but almost everyone ive talked to that has one says they enjoy handling and like to be out and about for hours.
  • 06-28-2012, 12:02 PM
    Trackstrong83
    Re: Which snakes prefer handling?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Mike41793 View Post

    I dont have any boas but almost everyone ive talked to that has one says they enjoy handling and like to be out and about for hours.

    Same here. I've actually talked to a lady with a Dumeril's boa and she says it actually sits in her lap while watching a movie on the couch
  • 06-28-2012, 12:07 PM
    WarriorPrincess90
    My Dumeril's Boa is still young, but she gets a little stressed after 20 minutes or so. She's getting better with each handling though and by the time she's an adult she should outgrow the youngling nervousness. My BCI is only a couple of months older though and even after having her out for an hour or more she will fight me when I try to put her back in the cage. After holding a gorgeous six foot female I finally understood why having another person can come in handy...it's not the handling that's a problem, it's putting them back! Lol. It was much easier with someone else there to open and close the doors. :P But in my experience, the BCIs seem to really enjoy being out and about for the most part. Of course, every animal is entitled to bad days, and on those days they should be left alone except for essential care tasks.

    It really depends on the individual animal.
  • 06-28-2012, 12:08 PM
    Pampho85
    Well, from experience, my friends reticulated python is just about the tamest snake you've ever seen. Never bit anyone, even as a baby, and now it's over 13+ ft. long and it's still tame.

    But, a more common tame snake would be rainbow boas, I've never had one bite me, or strike at me. I've handled quite a few mind you! Haha.
  • 06-28-2012, 12:13 PM
    SRMD
    Re: Which snakes prefer handling?
    Thanks for the replies!
    :)
  • 06-28-2012, 12:43 PM
    loonunit
    Even my most neurotic baby ball pythons seem to be okay with handling after several years of it off and on. I do have two or three ball pythons that I think were handled from day one by their breeders, who actually seem to LIKE it. My male pied will climb right on to my hand. My female lucy likes come out during card games so she can climb on top of the discard pile and periscope around at the players. And Glinda the pastel has been described as a "flirty sorority girl", because she seems to like men.

    The rest of them seem to be more tolerant than actually enthusiastic about it. But they'll all perk up at the opportunity to climb the bookshelf and knock my stuff down. :)

    The boas I've met in pet stores seem to be super-interested in coming out to play. Though again, I think they mostly want to climb the shelves and explore.

    I think a lot of it is handling them young, and consistently, and never giving them a reason to not like you. And maybe a lot of it is just luck of the draw.
  • 06-28-2012, 01:37 PM
    snakesRkewl
    Re: Which snakes prefer handling?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90 View Post
    It really depends on the individual animal.

    This would be the most accurate answer imo.

    I have some ball pythons that will sit on my shoulder for hours if I let them, others that 5 to 10 minutes and they are ready to go to their home again.
  • 06-28-2012, 01:53 PM
    WingedWolfPsion
    I think the answer is, all snakes PREFER no handling, lol. Some can get very used to it, and take it in stride. They are all individuals.
    I strongly believe temperament is heritable, and all breeders should take it into consideration, in their breeding programs.
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