How often can I handle?

I am officially the owner of a (fed and healthy- for those of you who happened to read my previous posts) ball python! :D
I've been doing a ton of reading here and watching a ton of youtube videos but haven't really came across this question-

How often can/should I handle my BP?

I did read that its best not to handle them too much because they aren't really "hands on" type of animals and they get enough exercise by going around their cages BUT I would really like for mine to get used to getting handled and would like to be able to handle as much as possible (probably just the excitement of being a new owner I'm sure).

Also thought I'd mention I know I have to make sure to feed at least 4 times before handling my new buddy to avoid stress. *tear* But wait a month I shall T-T

Don't handle them until 2-3 days after a meal (once the snake has had a good 3-4 meals with no handling at all). Aside from that, you can hold them for a few minutes each day or maybe one or two longer handling sessions a week. Mine usually all get handled for 5-10 minutes twice a week. Occasionally my favorites will watch a TV show with me ;)

How do I know when it absolutely is done with being held?
I've been watching videos and they generally just seem to not want to be picked up (hissing, curling up etc) but I haven't really noticed them acting like they want to be put back down.

Actually, if they are hissing, pick them up for 5 minutes then put them back. If you never pick them up when they hiss, they will learn that hissing = not being held. As for how long to hold them, it really depends on the snake. As long as the snake is eating well, it's tolerating the handling. That said, if it goes off feed, diminish the handling sessions a little bit. Also, I wouldn't have them out for more than about 30 minutes. Once you've done that 2-3times a week and they're still eating, you can handle them longer. Just be conscious of their eating patterns.

Great, thanks for the info! I am so going to have a hard time waiting for another month before holding it ;p I'm at least glad that I have a semi-transparent bin where I can see it XD
*btw, I'm planning to take it to someone to get it sexed- should I wait until after the 4 feedings?

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Originally Posted by luvepriscilla

Great, thanks for the info! I am so going to have a hard time waiting for another month before holding it ;p I'm at least glad that I have a semi-transparent bin where I can see it XD
*btw, I'm planning to take it to someone to get it sexed- should I wait until after the 4 feedings?

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You should post some pics of your BP. :)

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Originally Posted by luvepriscilla

Also thought I'd mention I know I have to make sure to feed at least 4 times before handling my new buddy to avoid stress. *tear* But wait a month I shall T-T

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This is completely untrue. Unless the animal is just unbelievably stressed out. Feel free to handle your animal right away.
I handle and feed my animals as soon as I get them, and have no issues what so ever. Also give them a day tops two after a meal before you handle again. You don't have to wait any longer than that. So IMO, if you want to take your buddy out and play have at it! :)

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Originally Posted by Rob

So IMO, if you want to take your buddy out and play have at it! :)

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Solid advice. :gj:

I have never had an issue with having my ball python out for up to a few hours every day actually. If he starts to curl up and try to sleep ill put him back right away, but my ball python is extremely tolerant of people, and even seems to enjoy being out for an adventure. I have read on other threads on the site that if the snake begins to show signs of stress such as no longer eating, you should handle him less. I really dont think there is any set time for handling you snake, it just depends on your snakes tolerance.

I have handled mine after one meal and haven't had any problems. I start off just a few minutes a day and work my way up. I usually wait two days to handle after a meal, depending on the size of the meal. Other than that, you can handle your snake however much you want, as long as he/she is still eating.