Ball Python handeling

So I have a male bp that I love to death. He is pretty much full grown seems very healthy. I really want to be able to handle him but I want to do it the right way. How long and how often can I hold him? He sat with me while I did homework for an hour and seemed content. I normally interact with him three times a week for 30-45 minutes. Of course I leave him for a couple days after eating. Thoughts?

I think you're doing just fine. When a snake seems contented with you, you're doing something right. (Of course some species are also more easily "contented" than others.) When a snake is stressed by poor husbandry or too much handling, they often react by not eating, & apparently that's not the case here. How long have you had him? (Just because he's full-grown doesn't mean that you're his original owner.)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I think you're doing just fine. When a snake seems contented with you, you're doing something right. (Of course some species are also more easily "contented" than others.) When a snake is stressed by poor husbandry or too much handling, they often react by not eating, & apparently that's not the case here. How long have you had him? (Just because he's full-grown doesn't mean that you're his original owner.)

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Thanks for the feedback! Im glad to hear that I'm not overdoing it, he is a great eater so I feel better in that regard. I have had him for a bit over a month. The place I got him form said that he came to the store as a hatchling and has been there since. Weather or not this is true doesn't really concern me because he is super friendly and seems happy.

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Originally Posted by ben12500

Thanks for the feedback! Im glad to hear that I'm not overdoing it, he is a great eater so I feel better in that regard. I have had him for a bit over a month. The place I got him form said that he came to the store as a hatchling and has been there since. Weather or not this is true doesn't really concern me because he is super friendly and seems happy.

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He sounds like he came thru life in the store unusually well- pet stores are generally stressful places, & also have many risks for the transmission of mites & diseases. I'm glad to hear he finally got the loving home he deserves. You sound a little doubtful that he's been there his whole life too- I have a hunch that he might have been sold to someone & then returned after a time -often times young kids beg for a pet, then lose interest- especially something low-key like a snake- & possibly the store didn't want to risk giving you those sort of details? I guess you'll never know, but I wouldn't worry about it. He's happy with you & you're happy with him- that's what counts. :snake: