Handling Python With Cut on Hand????

First off I'd like to say thanks to everyone who contributes on this site. I've been able to get a wealth of information regarding the newest member of our household and I really appreciate it.

On to my question: While playing tug of war with my Boston Terrier earlier I got bit, not hard but it was right on my pinky nail and its been bleeding, and there is still blood trapped under the nail/cuticle. I think I know the answer here but should I handle my python? I am the only one in the family who does handle him and I really hate leaving him caged unnecessarily, of course I'd also hate to get bit too.

If I shouldn't handle him , how long should I wait?

Thanks All

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Originally Posted by bigtroutak

First off I'd like to say thanks to everyone who contributes on this site. I've been able to get a wealth of information regarding the newest member of our household and I really appreciate it.

On to my question: While playing tug of war with my Boston Terrier earlier I got bit, not hard but it was right on my pinky nail and its been bleeding, and there is still blood trapped under the nail/cuticle. I think I know the answer here but should I handle my python? I am the only one in the family who does handle him and I really hate leaving him caged unnecessarily, of course I'd also hate to get bit too.

If I shouldn't handle him , how long should I wait?

Thanks All

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As long as you wash your hands, and keep the area sanitized, it shouldn't matter. If it's open, put a band-aid on it.
You only should worry about ingesting salmonella, I don't think it's as effective on the bloodstream. Even still, the chances are very low.

Thank you , so is there not any concern about him keying in on the blood and biting?

Two days before Christmas, I dang near cut the tip of my thumb off. Washed it, wrapped it, and kept it covered with band-aids, and my BP never even paid any attention to it.

I actually just got a cut on my hand from my boxer tonight and i cleaned it and put a band-aid on it and shortly after got my balls out to clean their tubs and not a one paid any attention to it

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Originally Posted by bigtroutak

Thank you , so is there not any concern about him keying in on the blood and biting?

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Nah, nothing like that. And like was said above put a bandaid on it and make sure you wash your hands, which you would be doing anyways.

They are pretty keyed in to their prey of choice(think of how hard a time some people have just from going from mice to rats) so I think we would smell completely off from a food source.

No, ball pythons are not like vampires.....lol if you were a bleeding rat then yes you would have to worry but since you are not a furry rodent your only concern is salmonella so just keep the cut clean before and after handling as mentioned ;)

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Originally Posted by bigtroutak

Thank you , so is there not any concern about him keying in on the blood and biting?

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You're thinking of sharks. Unless you smell like a nice juicy rodent, your snake probably won't even notice.

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Originally Posted by bigtroutak

Thank you , so is there not any concern about him keying in on the blood and biting?

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I'm sorry to laugh here, but I just imagined your BP with vampire teeth and bat wings coming at you. lol.

I don't think that your blood is gonna set him off though. heh.

Awesome,

Thanks for the replies. I did exactly as you all said last night and got him out with no problems.