Handling My Future BP

Hello all! I was searching for a great resource on Ball Pythons on the net, and I must say I have found it with this great website! I'm planning on purchasing a Ball Python in the near future and am trying to gather up all the information I can possibly get!


I was looking through the forum for information on handling, and didnt find entirely what I was looking for, so I have a question:

I know that I should not handle a BP for the first week and two days after it's aten, but what about on regular days? How long can I handle a BP and it be comfortable for the snake (assuming they're the average gentle ball python)? Does being away from the heat lamp for a certain amount of time have a bad effect on it? Any information on handling would be great!

im not any type of expert or anything but ball pythons dont have any special lighting needs if im correct.. as long as their in a room thats not too cold theyll be fine... another thing is you shouldnt handle them for about a week or two after you get them (let them settle into their new home).... a day or two after they've eaten (regurge) and as little as possible when their in their shed cycle. these snakes do become stressed easily and the last thing your gonna want is them to stop eating mine fortunatley has never refused a meal and thats why i handle him as little as possible so i can stay on this good luck strike... i hope i helped in some ways... if not im sure jlc (judy) will have the answers... she was very nice and helped me with some of my problems with my bp being too agressive...

Being away from the heat source is not a problem while you are handling them (you are warm after all)

I'd keep handling sessions to 15 minutes or so at first. BPs are shy and handling too much too fast can stress them out. Try not to touch the head or neck as this makes BPs very nervous, and no sudden movements. Just let the snake crawl around over you.

Well, April said what I would have said. :) Your own hands and arms are warm enough to make a BP "happy." If you're concerned, just avoid playing with him/her in a cold, drafty place.

EDIT: And also, WELCOME to BP.net! :handshake: I hope you make it a long term home for all your snake and reptile needs! ;)

:welcome: !!! And like Judy said, hope you make it long term for all your BP needs!!!
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