does anyone?

I don't. My apartment is pet-friendly (obviously :P), but this means they spray all the lawn areas for fleas several times a year. Not sure if that would hurt a snake, but don't really want to take the chance. If I lived somewhere else I probably would take my BP out sometimes though.

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

I don't. My apartment is pet-friendly (obviously :P), but this means they spray all the lawn areas for fleas several times a year. Not sure if that would hurt a snake, but don't really want to take the chance. If I lived somewhere else I probably would take my BP out sometimes though.

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could always try a park

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Originally Posted by se7en

could always try a park

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I'm sure I'd get some interesting looks if I tried that :D

I enjoy taking them out in the summer time, every once and a while. Lawn and flower bed. Great time to photograph them, as mentioned.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15...1203b5855d.jpg

I wanted to let mine chill outside but I have alot of garter snakes in my yard. I am sure they have mites and parasites and I'm worried he'll catch something. I counted at least 10 snakes at once in my backyard last year. Have any of you had any problems with that?

Thanks for all the posts on this topic. Summer seems a long way off right now but want to give this a try and had not even thought about the use of herbicides/pesticides. So I'll wait for a day or two after rain, that should wash any toxins off the grass.

I'm very excited to take my snakes out again this summer, it's the only time I can really get some good pics of everyone :D

We all agree that the one sign of a non-stressed or "happy" ball python is one that curls up in a nice tight hide during the day and - and roams at night - if so inclined. Right? It's what is aimed for in captive husbandry.

So I'm wondering (humor me here) if anyone can explain the signs of "happiness" in a ball python that is moving through the grass?

Being out in the open for a ball python means potentially being on some other animal's menu. It means insecurity. I'm just curious as to how some keepers are interpreting happiness in a snake.

Now before we start making assumptions, remember that studies have been done on signs of comfort and discomfort in snakes. Are you judging the behavior on these signs?

Or are we thinking that - like the family mutt - that a ball python enjoys a good run through the lawn?

We put a ball python in the tub and it either freezes up or swims frantically prompting the owner to assume that the snake is (a) either enjoying some laps and getting some exercise or (b) casually enjoying a soak.

How about the possibility that (a) the snake is frantically trying to get somewhere where it's not wet and in the open or (b) is frozen with fear?

Same with the romp in the yard. Try interpreting these behaviors in the context of what the snake wants and what the snake needs...the context of the natural history and evolution of the ball python.

If you want a reptile that is more amenable to soaking and playing in the grass, I can give you a list - but ball pythons would not be on it.

If something like sitting the snake in the grass for a minute is stressful because the snake is moving around rather than balled up, how do people justify handling?
I'm not trying to argue, just genuinely curious as to why handling inside is generally seen as fine to do (so long as you don't do it in excess) but handling outside would be bad and stressful? My BP acts the same when I hold her as many people just described their snakes acting in the grass-- moving about more, not curled up and hiding, ect. I know people could make the argument that handling indoors is necessary to check on the snake's health, but I imagine the majority of people don't handle their BPs solely for the purposes of checking their health.
Again I'm not arguing for or against taking them outside, just asking what the difference would be in terms of stress to the snake?

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Originally Posted by DVirginiana

If something like sitting the snake in the grass for a minute is stressful because the snake is moving around rather than balled up, how do people justify handling?
I'm not trying to argue, just genuinely curious as to why handling inside is generally seen as fine to do (so long as you don't do it in excess) but handling outside would be bad and stressful? My BP acts the same when I hold her as many people just described their snakes acting in the grass-- moving about more, not curled up and hiding, ect. I know people could make the argument that handling indoors is necessary to check on the snake's health, but I imagine the majority of people don't handle their BPs solely for the purposes of checking their health.
Again I'm not arguing for or against taking them outside, just asking what the difference would be in terms of stress to the snake?

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Are we drawing a comparison between briefly handling a ball python for basic husbandry purposes and placing it on the lawn to roam around? Apples to oranges. Or are we talking about the people that take their balls for trips down to the local park or pet store? Closer to apples to apples....there is necessary handling and there is gratuitous handling...

Curling up and hiding is not the only sign of discomfort in a ball python. Moving about during daylight hours is also a sign of discomfort.

I handle most of my snakes as little as possible. There are some species that are fairly amenable to it. As a whole, ball pythons are not.