Safe to own a BP with a toddler?
Hi everyone, I realize this post may be absurd to some but I have to ask. I am very interested in owning a BP. However I have a toddler and I am just wondering if there is any health concerns I should worry about? Such as if I handle the snake and it touches my arms /hands etc, could any bacteria or harmful issues be presented to my daughter? I will of course wash my hands. I am a bit of a hyperchondriac so if love to know. Would it also be okay for her to handle the snake?
As for my history.. Many years ago I owned a ball python that I absolutely adored. After her, I had the most amazing juvenile Colombian red tail boa. I went through a very sad journey with her. Many vet visits. The vet concluded she had a genetic disorder that wasn't allowing her to digest food properly and grow. She passed away not too long after that and I havnt owned a snake since. I really bonded with that Lil one!
Thanks for reading!
Re: Safe to own a BP with a toddler?
You are fine. Just make sure you do hand washing before and after handling. Also the same when dealing with sheds. I have heard they have the potential for carrying salmonella so hand washing is a must whenever contact is made especially for toddlers who like putting things in their mouth :)
Re: Safe to own a BP with a toddler?
That's interesting about sheds. I often wondered about that, but most of mine end up as trash as the snakes usually urinate or deficate on them. The clean ones my kids hang up in their rooms. Maybe I should reconsider this.