Hang Out Time...? How long is too long?

I myself don't see much trouble with taking them out if your room is in the mid 70's and up. I don't handle them for much longer than 20-30 minutes each. I would not bring them into rooms with drafts though, even if the temp is 80, a draft could slip in and I would be worried about an RI..

Is this just how it is for ball pythins or is it the same for all snakes?

I know when my brother had his columbian red tail boa, he would take it out for the entire day and bring it places several days a week. His snake ate every week and never had any RI or anything wrong with it.

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure their natural enviroment isn't the perfect temperature 24/7 365 days a year. Snakes are very very old animals so I'm sure they can handle much harsher weather climates than most people think. A species doesn't live that long without adapting.

I am in no way a professional so NO ONE should listen to anything that I say. I am just saying what I think about the situation.

BTW, I don't take my snake out all day, usually an hour or so at night.

Just to comment on a few of your comments....

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Originally Posted by zreon

Is this just how it is for ball pythins or is it the same for all snakes?

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Different snakes certainly have different levels of tolerance for stress and a fluctuating environment. As a general rule, ball pythons are a shy and easily stressed species...although some individuals seem very laid back and not bothered by anything. And as a general rule, red tail boas are very laid back and adapt easily to varying circumstances....although some individuals may react poorly and become defensive (interpreted as "aggressive" by most people).

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I know when my brother had his columbian red tail boa, he would take it out for the entire day and bring it places several days a week. His snake ate every week and never had any RI or anything wrong with it.

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While this may have worked for your brother's snake, it may not work for every RTB. Personally, I wouldn't encourage that sort of behavior at all, for a wide variety of reasons, only one of which is the snake's personal stress levels. But each person will make their own choices about how to handle their snakes. Some will get lucky and think they're doing it right. Some will learn lessons the hard way.

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I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure their natural enviroment isn't the perfect temperature 24/7 365 days a year. Snakes are very very old animals so I'm sure they can handle much harsher weather climates than most people think. A species doesn't live that long without adapting.

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Of course their natural environment isn't as perfect as we try to maintain it in captivity. However, in captivity, their immune systems are compromised by a combination of constant stress and other minute factors we can't duplicate in captivity. The best way to insure your snake stays healthy is to keep it in as consistent and controlled environment as possible.

Of course they are hardy species...ball pythons in particular are very hardy. But would you really want to risk RI, just because you know your snake will likely recover from it if you get it to the vet in time? Other species of snakes are far less hardy than bp's...no matter how unlikely it seems they should survive in the wild. Captivity takes a lot out of them and its our duty as their captors to make sure we give back as much as we possibly can...by making their environment fit their needs.

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I am in no way a professional so NO ONE should listen to anything that I say. I am just saying what I think about the situation.

BTW, I don't take my snake out all day, usually an hour or so at night.

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And just to clarify...I'm in no way offended by your remarks or think that you're looking for ways to get around certain husbandry needs of your snakes. I was just replying to some of the issues you raised.

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Originally Posted by AzureN1ght

In regard to space heaters--just be careful. Some types of space heaters (oil/gas burning ones) can put out carbon monoxide gas if they aren't vented properly. So if it is used in a closed-off unventilated room, you could end up with carbon-monoxide poisoned snakes or, worse, if you're in the room--you! So, do be careful about what kind of space heater you buy.

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there's a difference between oil burning and oil-filled electric. no carbon monoxide released from the electric one!

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Originally Posted by JLC

Of course their natural environment isn't as perfect as we try to maintain it in captivity. However, in captivity, their immune systems are compromised by a combination of constant stress and other minute factors we can't duplicate in captivity. The best way to insure your snake stays healthy is to keep it in as consistent and controlled environment as possible.

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wow, IMO best post of the year! thanks judy!!!

Thank you for your response Judy. I like when other people provide input on my remarks. I'm far from a snake expert so I'm glad you said a few of those things. Its always nice to learn something new.

Also, I'm definitely not trying to get around any husbandry needs. I keep my snakes cage at 82 cold side an 91 on the hot side with 55% humidity :)

Excellent post Judy!

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Originally Posted by rabernet

To the OP, I limit mine to 30 minute handling sessions for the longest. Most times, just 15 minutes.

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Yeah, cuz if Robin handled each one for more than 15 minutes, she'd need a longer day, Miss I-have-a-gazillion-gorgeous-snakies! =)

We hold ours for 15 minutes to an hour generally, although not during the 48 hours after feeding and not the approximate week they are in shed and usually after it's dark in the evening.

I can say we usually have our BCC Carmen out for longer than our ball python or cornsnake, but mostly because she seems to enjoy it or not mind and is very relaxed once she's out. (Total spaz coming out and going back in, but that's Suri for you...)