How often can you handle a ball.

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Originally Posted by Gerardo

Why shouldnt they be handled before/during shed? Is it because they can be nippy?

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they CAN be. but not necessarily. when they're eyes are in the blue it makes it harder for them to see so if they're already a sketchy snake it can make them a little more sensitive. my really tame ones don't seem to care though. just depends on the snake.

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Originally Posted by Gerardo

Why shouldnt they be handled before/during shed? Is it because they can be nippy?

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Usually they are quite uncomfortable at this time, as well as can't see as well.

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Yea i have to agree. I was just asking because ive heard this before but my normal has NEVER even hissed at me and i handle whenever and have never had an issue.

Really it depends on the individual snake.
But, yes.
Consider it from the animals perspective if you will. They can be grumpy at shed time to start with then, their eyes get cloudy so they can only identify threats by other senses like vibration, scent and heat. I figure if you are going to get a bite that isn't a mistaken feeding response and your animal is normally content and healthy that is a likely time.
That isn't to say there aren't many that can be handled at that time with no attempts to bite.

As everyone is saying here, it depends on the snake. I personally wouldn't handle during a shed yet until you get a handle on your snake's disposition.
Personally, my girl doesn't care. She just doesn't explore when she's blue and instead curls up in my lap when i have her out.

i have seen ones that are pretty nasty though. so just be cautious

I would usually wait 1-2 weeks after getting a new snake. I got a ball python 5 days ago and i had to redo his cage to add a Accurite thermometer and I took him out for about 15 minutes and he was balled up for a while then started exploring. Then I tried feeding him a f/t a few hours later for the first time and he ate. Every snake is different just do what works for the individual snake.

I handle mine right away and shove a meal at them, I'm weird like that. When it stops working ill stop doing it.

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Originally Posted by Rob

I handle mine right away and shove a meal at them, I'm weird like that. When it stops working ill stop doing it.

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What this guy said ^ But if they don't eat i don't handle them untill they eat unless i have to clean their cage. Nothing is written in stone you gotta find what works

My nine year old typically will take out snakes every day. No problems with not eating.

Thanks for all the above. My son handles everyday right now. We got him a week ago and handled for the first time on Saturday after ate Friday morning. He has been fine so far. We keep handling down to 5-10 minutes. Still makes me nervous when I see the snake getting near my sons face:confusd:. He seems very tame. Are there any pre indicators a snake is going to bite or is in a grumpy mood? Besides not eating are there other indicators a snake is stressed?