Is It Good To Take Your BP Out For A Walk ?

i was wondering if i should let her get some air :p

I don't think I would suggest a walk simply because of some negative attn this may bring from non fans of snakes but I do take mine out in the privacy of my backyard on really warm sunny days.

I take mine outside for fresh air and sunshine! Not in public though, people would freak out!

I try to take mine outside about once a week. They really seem to enjoy the sun and smells. Boy do those tongues get going. Lol. Of course, I try to keep them out of view of people. So I take them into this grassy area with lots of trees and sit down with them. As long as you aren't really drawing attention to yourself, your snakeys would probably enjoy it if it's warm out. I live in Florida, so they love it.

No, they do not need to be taken for a walk. The only reason I could see someone doing that would be to get attention. It probably would be unnecessary stress for your snakes.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Lol save the walks for a dog.

I have taken Perry for walks where I live. Mind you I am WAY out in the country and my closest neighbor is a quarter a mile away and there are no sidewalks. The only people I see are passing cars and cyclists who never speak or notice me. Perry seems to like being outside around my neck or wrist. But if you live in a populated area then I would say no, that's just me though. :)

I think I would be worried about mites or other parasites. Have any of you that do take your BP's outside ever experiences such?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Funke910

I think I would be worried about mites or other parasites. Have any of you that do take your BP's outside ever experiences such?

---

I'm sure the chances are higher for ticks and parasites and such rather than mites. I think the issues people have are mainly the unneeded negative attention to the community and the stress of a nocturnal creature being taken out during the day and stimulated more than normal. The only time I take any of mine outside is for short periods of time to take pictures in the sun.

I usually save the walks in public for my burm. If people don't like it, I dare them to say something! :D It's a sure way to keep those people walking their nasty, drooling, flea ridden, mange infested, stinky dogs away from me!

But seriously, I take all of my animals outside from time to time (except the fish of course). I see no harm in it and the animals seem to enjoy it. The tortoises and beardies seem to appreciate it the most!

we take ours 2 ball pythons out with us whenever theres like a festival or fair around since i use my bps in illusions it gives people a chance to check them out up close after the show

Reminds me of a previous thread about taking your snake outside on a beautiful day.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rob

Lol save the walks for a dog.

---

You take dogs for walks.

You take snakes for drags.

/rimshot

Thank you.
I'll be here all week.

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by myztic24

we take ours 2 ball pythons out with us whenever theres like a festival or fair around since i use my bps in illusions it gives people a chance to check them out up close after the show

---

Meh.

Illusions.

I can make my whole family actually disappear, using my snakes.


:D

I think it's stressful for the animals, but that is offset some by the exposure to natural sunlight. (Just because snakes don't require UVB doesn't mean they don't benefit from it). A quiet, short jaunt outside to explore a grassy, sunny area may do them good, but I wouldn't haul them around for a walk, and I would restrict the amount of time they're out. Take care not to let them overheat, as well. I would not do this more than twice a week. I don't take my snakes out often--generally just for photos. They are both curious and apprehensive. Their body language tells me that being in a new location, in the open, is stressful for them, so I don't overdo it. They're curious, sure, but also worried about finding some place to take cover, since they're vulnerable to predators out in the open.

Remember that brief periods of mild stress are generally not harmful, but long-term, repeated, severe, or continual stress IS harmful.

I keep trying to take mine for walks but they keep slipping out of their collars.

None of them are understanding the concept of "fetch" either. Anyone have any tips?

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

I don't feel my snakes gain anything from being taken outside, and the drastic change in surroundings can be a pretty big stress inducer.

They have all the room they need to stretch out and explore in the supervised comfort of my living room, without the risk of mites, ticks, overheating, and negative public exposure.

I don't have too many issues with owners who take their snakes out for short photo ops in natural sunlight, but other than that, I don't see too much real need to take them out side.

As for educating the public...you can't educate someone who's mind is closed, ambushing someone with a snake is a sure way to turn them off and create a negative opinion, and lastly, it seems like every time I see someone walking around with a snake in public, it's always a "look at me" thing. Again, not the best foot to put forward for our interests.

Usually ill take mine out in the early evening if its still kinda warm out. Like low to mid 70s. I only really do this to get pics though. I think thats usually the best time bc its not the hottest part of the day with the sun beating down but its also not too cool out yet. Also the light that the sun gives off as its low in the sky can make for some cool lighting in pics.

I dont do this often. Maybe like once or twice a month with only one or two snakes at a time. I also know my snakes pretty well and know which ones tolerate it. Like my female cinny can be pissy sometimes and nervous so i wont take her outside just bc i think it would stress her out alot. My normal and fire both tolerate handling very well so theyre usually the ones i take out to handle or to bring outside on the rare occasion when i do.

This might be a point at which to note that, in our breeding programs, we should strive to select for docile, calm animals that are adaptable to change and aren't easily stressed.

I think an unfortunately large number of folks side-step that issue when breeding, and go for color and pattern at the expense of all else.

We can also help promote this by demanding good temperaments and flexible feeders when we go shopping for snakes--a higher demand will induce more people to select for these traits, and price them higher--thus creating a stronger market for them.

Our snakes should be able to shrug off a jaunt out into the sunlight without experiencing undue stress. At present, not all of them can.

I think it completely depends on the snake. If your bp is relaxed outside and seems to enjoy it, let her out in your yard every now and then; if not, keep her inside. My ball python is very nervous, so I don't take her outside. She doesn't benefit from it, so there is really no excuse for me subjecting her to that much stress. But both of my boas absolutely LOVE the outdoors and they will spend hours exploring my backyard (heavily supervised, of course), so I try to get them out 3-4 times a week.

Consider temperature before you take her out, though. If it's any cooler than 70* or warmer than 90* I wouldn't take a snake outside. Also, give her access to shade so she can cool off if she needs to.

And of course... if you do let her out, natural lighting is the best for a photoshoot! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

I also know my snakes pretty well and know which ones tolerate it.

---

This is an excellent point.

Call me paranoid, but I can't imagine putting my snake in the grass/flowers/trees. I would love too, it makes for beautiful pictures. But, ish, there are all kinds of bugs and who knows what. I don't want them on my snake. I know its my yard, and I know for a fact there are no chemicals anywhere, because I won't use them in my yard/flowers/trees. But still just paranoid. I actually got some fake flowers and a basket at the dollar store today to take some pictures with. I know it won't look anything like the real thing though. :rolleyes: My camera wants a picture of my snakes outdoors, but I just can't bring myself to do it. :D

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WingedWolfPsion

This might be a point at which to note that, in our breeding programs, we should strive to select for docile, calm animals that are adaptable to change and aren't easily stressed.

I think an unfortunately large number of folks side-step that issue when breeding, and go for color and pattern at the expense of all else.

We can also help promote this by demanding good temperaments and flexible feeders when we go shopping for snakes--a higher demand will induce more people to select for these traits, and price them higher--thus creating a stronger market for them.

Our snakes should be able to shrug off a jaunt out into the sunlight without experiencing undue stress. At present, not all of them can.

---

Oh boy, you just opened up a HUGE can of worms lol. The whole nature vs. nuture argument pretty much. What if i bred together two the most aggressive or nervous bps? Youre saying their babies would be aggressive or nervous too?
Another thing that factors into a bps temperment could be how much theyre handled after hatching. Big breeders only handle for cleaning the tub usually. But a smaller hobbyist breeder would probably have more time to take out the babies and handle them for pleasure. So all of BHB's and NERD's hatchlings must be really flighty since theyre not used to being handled right?

Im not saying i dont agree with you, i actual do agree that those traits could be hereditary; however, theres not real way to prove it unless you keep all of your hatchlings and raise them in the same environment for generations and generations. So yes, i realize im being sorta hypocritical, but im playing devils advocate because what youre saying really isnt feasible.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Call me paranoid, but I can't imagine putting my snake in the grass/flowers/trees. I would love too, it makes for beautiful pictures. But, ish, there are all kinds of bugs and who knows what. I don't want them on my snake. I know its my yard, and I know for a fact there are no chemicals anywhere, because I won't use them in my yard/flowers/trees. But still just paranoid. I actually got some fake flowers and a basket at the dollar store today to take some pictures with. I know it won't look anything like the real thing though. :rolleyes: My camera wants a picture of my snakes outdoors, but I just can't bring myself to do it. :D

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

---

Yea im sure there are no bugs in the termite mounds that the bps live in over in Africa...:rolleyes:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Yea im sure there are no bugs in the termite mounds that the bps live in over in Africa...:rolleyes:

---

Lol, not on my babies....

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Yea im sure there are no bugs in the termite mounds that the bps live in over in Africa...:rolleyes:

---

West Africa needs more PAM!!! An unexploited market for sure :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Lol, not on my babies....

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

---

Yea i was just busting your chops, i figured you knew i was joking lol:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Slim

West Africa needs more PAM!!! An unexploited market for sure :rofl::rofl::rofl:

---

Screw backpacking in Europe to "find myself! I wanna go to Africa! I could open my own little PAM stand and then go hunting for cool dinkers in my spare time!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Yea i was just busting your chops, i figured you knew i was joking lol:D



Screw backpacking in Europe to "find myself! I wanna go to Africa! I could open my own little PAM stand and then go hunting for cool dinkers in my spare time!

---

You sir, are a hoot! :rofl:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

You sir, are a hoot! :rofl:

---

Jee thanks mister, i get that alot :D

I'm a firm believer in socializing reptiles. I used to take Kolbe out (which is how my neighbor who adopted him after Hurricane Katrina fell in love with him). Kolbe is still very much the neighborhood mascot and he's been handled by most of the neighbors. He comes out when we have big get togethers. He's also been to schools. I plan on starting to bring Kira out as soon as she is completely settled in and used to the family. Since I plan on bringing her to schools as an education animal, I want her to be used to change and being handled by different people. All three of my iguanas are well socialized and so is our Sulcatta and box turtles.

An added benefit is that if they have to go to the vet they don't stress as much because they are used to leaving home. Now, I'm sure there are some animals that don't adapt well to being handled and if I had one like that I'd leave it home. I did have one iguana who was very anti-social and so he lived out his life being handled as little as possible.

Oh, and I also agree on breeding for temperament. I do believe it is passed on. I wish people would do that with all reptiles and that we'd stop importing wild caught animals.

Take mine outside in the back yard when its warm enough out to take photos, she seems to love the fresh air and all the grass but who knows what shes really thinking... :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Really

Oh, and I also agree on breeding for temperament. I do believe it is passed on. I wish people would do that with all reptiles and that we'd stop importing wild caught animals.

---

Without importation we wouldnt have new morphs.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Without importation we wouldnt have new morphs.

---

Speaking of opening up a huge can of worms... :P

To the OP, I believe it depends on the snake. There are some that won't care and others that will freak out. It all comes down to knowing your animals. Like everything else, snakes have their own personalities. If you see the animal getting stressed, figure out what's causing it and make a mental note. My pastave doesn't care about going outside though she's the higher strung of the two but my albino who travels, likes handling, etc. hates going out in the sunlight because it seems to bother her eyes. In late evening, she's all for it though. As long as you know your snake, you'll know the answer.

For those of you discussing the nature vs nurture side of things, I have hatched out over 200 babies from a single pair of corns. Both parents are tolerant, easygoing, and have been like that since hatchlings. The babies have all been treated the same and I've seen everything from passive pets to mean little throwbacks (I have one from last year if anyone wants a corn with attitude). Most babies tend towards the calmer personalities but there are those who stress or are aggressive. We can breed for it and give ourselves a better shot but there are no guarantees where personalities are concerned. Granted, some of the 'throwbacks' are able to be handled and will get used to it, but they are always more easily stressed. I've watched several of these babies grow up and one of the original throwbacks who's now about 9 y/o is still very defensive. Once picked up, he calms down but until then, the gloves stay on. He is with a family who takes him out and handles him regularly. They learn to an extent but they still have personalities which don't always change no matter what you try to do. Just my two cents from what I've seen over the years...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Crazy4Herps

Speaking of opening up a huge can of worms... :P

---

Thats not a can of worms bc theres no debate to be had...

Its a fact that without importation we wouldnt have any morphs, or balls in general. Im not aware of any native ball python populations in the US???

Do i think the heavy importation of CH babies being sold to petstores should stop? Absolutely! I dont find it necessary at all. So i agree that mass importation should be stopped, but not importation all together.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dracoluna

For those of you discussing the nature vs nurture side of things, I have hatched out over 200 babies from a single pair of corns. Both parents are tolerant, easygoing, and have been like that since hatchlings. The babies have all been treated the same and I've seen everything from passive pets to mean little throwbacks (I have one from last year if anyone wants a corn with attitude). Most babies tend towards the calmer personalities but there are those who stress or are aggressive. We can breed for it and give ourselves a better shot but there are no guarantees where personalities are concerned. Granted, some of the 'throwbacks' are able to be handled and will get used to it, but they are always more easily stressed. I've watched several of these babies grow up and one of the original throwbacks who's now about 9 y/o is still very defensive. Once picked up, he calms down but until then, the gloves stay on. He is with a family who takes him out and handles him regularly. They learn to an extent but they still have personalities which don't always change no matter what you try to do. Just my two cents from what I've seen over the years...

---

THIS^^^
all of this :gj: :gj: :gj:

Three thumbs up, bc two isnt enough!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Crazy4Herps

I think it completely depends on the snake. If your bp is relaxed outside and seems to enjoy it, let her out in your yard every now and then; if not, keep her inside. My ball python is very nervous, so I don't take her outside. She doesn't benefit from it, so there is really no excuse for me subjecting her to that much stress. But both of my boas absolutely LOVE the outdoors and they will spend hours exploring my backyard (heavily supervised, of course), so I try to get them out 3-4 times a week.

Consider temperature before you take her out, though. If it's any cooler than 70* or warmer than 90* I wouldn't take a snake outside. Also, give her access to shade so she can cool off if she needs to.

And of course... if you do let her out, natural lighting is the best for a photoshoot! :)

---

^^ This

I think it is totally dependent on the personality of the snake. I only have 2 BPs and 3 corns, and one of BPs ( male pastel ) is totally relaxed and easy going in just about any situation - and I will sometimes take him for a walk around the yard - we call this yard patrol - we look at all the plants and flowers - he seems to like smelling all the different plants and remains totally relaxed during the entire experience ( body is like jello ).

My female lesser, on the other hand, doesn't seem to care much for exploration. She tenses up and is always trying to get away.

So bottom line - it depends on the personality of the animal. My male pastel that likes to explore doesn't really like it when I set him on the ground - he usually crawls right back to me - he seems happy just hanging around my neck or cupped in my hands.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Thats not a can of worms bc theres no debate to be had...

Its a fact that without importation we wouldnt have any morphs, or balls in general. Im not aware of any native ball python populations in the US???

Do i think the heavy importation of CH babies being sold to petstores should stop? Absolutely! I dont find it necessary at all. So i agree that mass importation should be stopped, but not importation all together.

---

I agree completely. But there's a whole other debate to be had on that topic.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Crazy4Herps

I agree completely. But there's a whole other debate to be had on that topic.

---

...which is?
I still dont see what the debate would be.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mike41793

Thats not a can of worms bc theres no debate to be had...

Its a fact that without importation we wouldnt have any morphs, or balls in general. Im not aware of any native ball python populations in the US???

Do i think the heavy importation of CH babies being sold to petstores should stop? Absolutely! I dont find it necessary at all. So i agree that mass importation should be stopped, but not importation all together.

---

That is more of what I meant -- the mass importation of reptiles in general -- the huge numbers of iguanas, CWDs, and various snakes. Selective importation for breeding purposes is a different thing entirely and I should have been more clear on that. What I am against is the vast numbers of imports thrown into the pet trade and that's really what I meant by importation.

As far as having some defensive/aggressive temperament snakes in a clutch from two calm parents, yes, that is going to happen. I do think, however, that if you breed only the calmest from that group, than after multiple generations you'll have primarily calm animals. This is what I would really like to see done with green iguanas, but I think it applies to most animals. You will always have animals that have some of those traits (dogs have been domesticated millennia and yet we still hear of dogs that have issues). But, I think *overall* over time and generations you would produce predominately calm animals.

I have actually seen this done by 'little ray' Goulet he has been breeding african rock pythons and started with the two calmest he could find and has for a number of years breeding the calmest to calmest and I have handled his and well it is calm. like a burm calm. He uses them for out reach programs.

I'd just slap a really heavy import tax on them. Nobody can complain. We're used to paying more than $500 for a morph, so a cool WC female with a new base morph would well be worth the 200 to import it. The pet stores wouldn't be able to sell the snakes, as they wouldn't be able to pay to replace all the normals that die in their care. And people who want normals can just buy captive breds. The only people who it might hurt are the African snake catchers, but let's not get into that.