Soo...is this really true?

In your opinion, do you have to wait a minimum of 48 hours after feeding to hold your BP? I hold my 1 yr old after 24 hours, I figure give her a bit of time but 48hrs seems a lot to me. I will stop if it's doing damage. Someone on here recently said to wait 2-3 days because their insides are so soft and weak you don't want to hurt them. That seems overboard to me. Am I wrong.

I'm no veterinarian but I have handled all of mine the next day if I need to move them for some reason, but I don't take them out just to hold them. I don't know if it will actually hurt them but why pester them if you don't need to.

1.1 pastels, 1.0 lesser, 0.1 spider, 1.3 norm. 1.0 fire 0.1 RTB 0.0 sav. Mon.

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Originally Posted by ironpython

I'm no veterinarian but I have handled all of mine the next day if I need to move them for some reason, but I don't take them out just to hold them. I don't know if it will actually hurt them but why pester them if you don't need to.

1.1 pastels, 1.0 lesser, 0.1 spider, 1.3 norm. 1.0 fire 0.1 RTB 0.0 sav. Mon.

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Well, why pester them ever? I'm more asking if there is some golden rule to the 48hr thing. Do they really mind being held with a full belly? Mine tends to hide out for about 24hrs but she's back out the following night.

In my personal opinion I think it depends entirely on the snake. I have a big normal female ball python named Eva and I can handle her at any time and she has never had any negative affects from it. I've handled her right after she's eaten and she just explores and climbs like she does any other time I take her out. I can handle her when she is in shed and it doesn't bother her at all. She is just really laid back and likes to slither around the house. She eats every week, sheds perfectly, and has never Ever shown any aggression towards me. She's just big and happy. But I think if I were to handle some other ball pythons in the same way it would affect them differently. All of them are different and have different personalities. So I think it just depends on the animal. :)


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I never go by time. If I see a bulge, I leave them alone. If I see no/a tiny bulge, I feel that they have digest enough to not be a problem.

I think it depends on the snake and the size of the prey just consumed. Think of it like this: your snake prob feels like you do after Thanksgiving dinner. All you want to do is take a nap or rest n let your huge meal digest. You wouldnt really be taking a hike, a walk around the block, or a lil spin on ur bike cuz being so full might upset your stomach to the point you throw up. Im prob just anthropomorphising here, but its the best analogy i could come up with. If its just a small meal, im sure a night of rest would be sufficient.

sent from my incubator

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Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

I think it depends on the snake and the size of the prey just consumed. Think of it like this: your snake prob feels like you do after Thanksgiving dinner. All you want to do is take a nap or rest n let your huge meal digest. You wouldnt really be taking a hike, a walk around the block, or a lil spin on ur bike cuz being so full might upset your stomach to the point you throw up. Im prob just anthropomorphising here, but its the best analogy i could come up with. If its just a small meal, im sure a night of rest would be sufficient.

sent from my incubator

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X2

1.1 pastels, 1.0 lesser, 0.1 spider, 1.3 norm. 1.0 fire 0.1 RTB 0.0 sav. Mon.

I've always thought/heard it was more tied to stress- handling can be stressful, and stress on a full tummy=potential for regurge which causes more stress... and etc etc. I try to not to handle Tali for 12-24 hours after she's eaten, but I've held her before 48 for sure and I've never had a regurge. Heck, I've transported her within 48 hours of a meal and never had a regurge, and she didn't miss her meal. She also doesn't seem to be super stressed or nervous when handling or after transporting. During handling if she acted more skittish or stressed, I'd wait for 48 hours to be safe. It just depends on the behavior of your animal :)

I uses the term because at that time that is what I would call it. I handle mine often I don't keep them for decoration I have them to enjoy and hold. There is a difference in my opinion.

1.1 pastels, 1.0 lesser, 0.1 spider, 1.3 norm. 1.0 fire 0.1 RTB 0.0 sav. Mon.

wait and give them time, when you handle a hatchling after it eats, its more inclinded to regurge or PUKE if you will. this is from stress an also like i stated they have very weak insides when they are small. once they have had quite a few meals in them i dont see as many regurge from being picked up. another thing ive had happen is the snakes cloaca or VENT can turn inside out almost like an abscessed hemipene. if that happens if had to soak them in sugar water for it to draw its self back inside the snakes body.

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Originally Posted by ironpython

I uses the term because at that time that is what I would call it. I handle mine often I don't keep them for decoration I have them to enjoy and hold. There is a difference in my opinion.

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This, exactly.

Handling a BP before 48-72 hours after they eat may cause internal damage. Use your best judgement.
It's best practice to leave them be while they digest their meal. :gj:

You know the feeling, right after you eat, you don't really want to be messed with for a couple of hours? BPs feel like that for a couple of days.

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Originally Posted by ironpython

I uses the term because at that time that is what I would call it. I handle mine often I don't keep them for decoration I have them to enjoy and hold. There is a difference in my opinion.

1.1 pastels, 1.0 lesser, 0.1 spider, 1.3 norm. 1.0 fire 0.1 RTB 0.0 sav. Mon.

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No, I totally agree, that's what I guess I failed to convey. I hold her because I like holding her, and 48 hours always feels like a long time, I would hold her every single day if I could. My normal eats appropriate sized prey, but I don't really see a bulge for more than 24 hours, and she tends to hide out and act pissy right after eating but 24 hours later she is out an exploring again for the most part. I was more wondering because someone made it sound like I could be hurting her if I held her after only 24 hours, and I was hoping for assurance that I wasn't.

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Originally Posted by Coopers Constrictors

Handling a BP before 48-72 hours after they eat may cause internal damage. Use your best judgement.
It's best practice to leave them be while they digest their meal. :gj:

You know the feeling, right after you eat, you don't really want to be messed with for a couple of hours? BPs feel like that for a couple of days.

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Ok, this was more what I was wondering, not if it's stressful, but if it could actually hurt of damage them.

I wait until I can no longer see a bulge, and she's no longer hiding. Sometimes it's 24 sometimes a lil longer.

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There are a number of factors involved - 48 hours is kind of a safer range for 'regular circumstances'. Things that would influence whether or not it's 'safe' after that time:

-Were they sitting on the heat or cool end, what are those temps
-How is the individual snake's metabolism functioning (likely to change by individual or season)
-How old is the snake
-When was the last meal (body would digest infrequent meals faster because there is no 'queue')
-How big was the meal*** some people feed meals that don't even leave a bulge. On my small snakes right now I feed almost 30% of their body weight because that's the size rat that entices them to eat. I go closer to 72 hours to handle after that.


Implications of handling:

-Regurgitation (regurgitation is a BIG problem for reptiles - there is nothing worth risking a regurg)
-Stress
-Semi-digested bone causing damage to their insides


So when people say not to handle for 48 hours, they are taking these considerations and have determined that under normal conditions 48 hours is the safe window to wait. If your snake eats meals that don't leave a lump and it sits right on a 92 degree hot spot for all 24 hours, it's probably safe as can be at that time. If your snake eats a massive meal and sits on the cool end for a few days, you're probably still not safe at 72 hours.

This is why the responses that say 'I wait until the snake is moving around and has no visible bulge or segment of body that it is keeping in one position' would be the right responses.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

There are a number of factors involved - 48 hours is kind of a safer range for 'regular circumstances'. Things that would influence whether or not it's 'safe' after that time:

-Were they sitting on the heat or cool end, what are those temps
-How is the individual snake's metabolism functioning (likely to change by individual or season)
-How old is the snake
-When was the last meal (body would digest infrequent meals faster because there is no 'queue')
-How big was the meal*** some people feed meals that don't even leave a bulge. On my small snakes right now I feed almost 30% of their body weight because that's the size rat that entices them to eat. I go closer to 72 hours to handle after that.


Implications of handling:

-Regurgitation (regurgitation is a BIG problem for reptiles - there is nothing worth risking a regurg)
-Stress
-Semi-digested bone causing damage to their insides


So when people say not to handle for 48 hours, they are taking these considerations and have determined that under normal conditions 48 hours is the safe window to wait. If your snake eats meals that don't leave a lump and it sits right on a 92 degree hot spot for all 24 hours, it's probably safe as can be at that time. If your snake eats a massive meal and sits on the cool end for a few days, you're probably still not safe at 72 hours.

This is why the responses that say 'I wait until the snake is moving around and has no visible bulge or segment of body that it is keeping in one position' would be the right responses.

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Thank you, that was very informative, and exactly the info I was looking for. It sounded odd to me that it could in fact hurt them, but (not just cause stress or regurge), but I hadn't thought about the bones thing. When people give a "one size fits all" answer, I naturally question why, and wonder what factors are involved. Thanks again :)

lots of rumors and not one bit of truth ...

Ball pythons do not regurge because you handle them after they eat, unless it is already stressed out to begin with.
I have handled snakes thousands of times after they eat, not a single regurge.
That is old school dumb rumors still regurgitated throughout the hobby.

Think about the snake that is 30 feet from it's den in the wild, takes down a prey item, them slithers back to it's den.
In that 30 feet it's probably doing more movement than it ever would in your hands.
It's a silly notion that handling after they eat causes issues, not one shred of evidence, just regurgitation in forums.
Do they like to sit and digest afterwards? absolutely, and I usually allow them to.
But this whole regurgitation thing, and the whole theory that you can hurt their insides because you handle them, HOGWASH.

It's best to wait 48 hours so that way the digestion process is well under way. You can run the risk of a regurge if you stress him out by handling him too shortly after they've ate.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

lots of rumors and not one bit of truth ...

Ball pythons do not regurge because you handle them after they eat, unless it is already stressed out to begin with.
I have handled snakes thousands of times after they eat, not a single regurge.
That is old school dumb rumors still regurgitated throughout the hobby.

Think about the snake that is 30 feet from it's den in the wild, takes down a prey item, them slithers back to it's den.
In that 30 feet it's probably doing more movement than it ever would in your hands.
It's a silly notion that handling after they eat causes issues, not one shred of evidence, just regurgitation in forums.
Do they like to sit and digest afterwards? absolutely, and I usually allow them to.
But this whole regurgitation thing, and the whole theory that you can hurt their insides because you handle them, HOGWASH.

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This was my first instinct to be honest, which is why I asked. I understand wanting to be left alone to digest, but the thing about it hurting them seemed a bit off to me, living things which have evolved to survive over millions of years aren't usually so delicate. I guess the answer for me is, if she seems like she wants to be left alone, then I will respect that (I can tell because she says inside even at dusk), and if she is out, I won't worry too much about holding her.

They aren't as delicate as people want to put on them.
Internal organs getting damaged? That's just not going to happen.
Snakes regurge because of the fight or flight syndrome.
If your snakes are so stressed out that they regurgitate you've either got wild caught snakes, or you need to address why such a docile creature is so freaked out that it needs to throw up to get away from you.

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

lots of rumors and not one bit of truth ...

Ball pythons do not regurge because you handle them after they eat, unless it is already stressed out to begin with.
I have handled snakes thousands of times after they eat, not a single regurge.
That is old school dumb rumors still regurgitated throughout the hobby.

Think about the snake that is 30 feet from it's den in the wild, takes down a prey item, them slithers back to it's den.
In that 30 feet it's probably doing more movement than it ever would in your hands.
It's a silly notion that handling after they eat causes issues, not one shred of evidence, just regurgitation in forums.
Do they like to sit and digest afterwards? absolutely, and I usually allow them to.
But this whole regurgitation thing, and the whole theory that you can hurt their insides because you handle them, HOGWASH.

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ok, ive hatched out tons of BPS and yes they can regurge from being handled! crawling across the ground is one thing, being picked up and moved with gravity having an effect on the stomach is way diff then what your talking about. if you think regurging doest have an effect on an animal think again! there stomach if full of a nasty acid, just like ours. puke up a huge meal an tell me your throat or chest isnt sore the next day?? IM GOING TO SAY THIS AGAIN. HATCHLING BALL PYTHONS INSIDES ARE VERY WEAK! unless they have eaten multiple times and shed you can hurt them. the hole in the stomach from the umbilicus can be pulled open, leading to infection and death! feeding one before their first shed can also lead to problems, like i said..there insides can come out their vent, imagine one with a hemorrhoid so to speak, (best way to describe it) soaking them in sugar water draws it up back inside the snake.

your evidence comes from many who have had trial and error happen. its best to feed them and leave them alone for 48hrs if your so inclined an cannot wait 48 then atleast 24! NOW for an adult, feed them, pick them up, swing them around do what you want i guess? ive never had one regurge from being held, but they will and can due to stress.


LONG STORY SHORT, DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! you asked for advice and myself along with others are saying the samething give them time to digest. would you want to eat a big meal and somebody pick u up? same as eating alot and riding a roller coaster!

smh, not going to happen.
Say it again and capitalize your words all you want, It's not the truth.

First off hatchlings shouldn't be handled much at all until they have shed and started eating, so you point about the umbilical cord is a non point.

Last point, feed appropriate sized meals, nobody needs a huge meal in them ...

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

They aren't as delicate as people want to put on them.
Internal organs getting damaged? That's just not going to happen.
Snakes regurge because of the fight or flight syndrome.
If your snakes are so stressed out that they regurgitate you've either got wild caught snakes, or you need to address why such a docile creature is so freaked out that it needs to throw up to get away from you.

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a bp being wildcaught has nothing to do with regurgitation. i have about a dozen wildcaughts that eat and breed fine every year. unless your a VET and can provide proof that it does no harm then thats hear say also. im going off what i have seen with my own 2 eyes!

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Originally Posted by snakesRkewl

smh, not going to happen.
Say it again and capitalize your words all you want, It's not the truth.

First off hatchlings shouldn't be handled much at all until they have shed and started eating, so you point about the umbilical cord is a non point.

Last point, feed appropriate sized meals, nobody needs a huge meal in them ...

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so if what im sayin isnt the truth, then whats all this your saying? :colbert:

i would say it depends on the individual animal. the male i used to have regurged a meal after 24 hours because i had to move him, so now i just pick the snake up gently and run my finger down its belly to feel for a bump, if theres still one i dont handle them, if not i take them out. i actually wait 4 days to handle because thats usually when they poop. ive had bps poop on me before so thats why i wait so long lol same with my burmese pythons, mainly because if they decide to go its difficult to get to something to put under them in time or run to the bathroom quick enough(cuz of their size)

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Originally Posted by Alexiel03

i would say it depends on the individual animal. the male i used to have regurged a meal after 24 hours because i had to move him, so now i just pick the snake up gently and run my finger down its belly to feel for a bump, if theres still one i dont handle them, if not i take them out. i actually wait 4 days to handle because thats usually when they poop. ive had bps poop on me before so thats why i wait so long lol same with my burmese pythons, mainly because if they decide to go its difficult to get to something to put under them in time or run to the bathroom quick enough(cuz of their size)

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lol, so wait so they don't poop on you... now there's an interesting take:rofl:

*hate's getting pooped on* I had a snake that seemed to enjoy it... I took this tactic:banana:

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Originally Posted by wienkeg

lol, so wait so they don't poop on you... now there's an interesting take:rofl:

*hate's getting pooped on* I had a snake that seemed to enjoy it... I took this tactic:banana:

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lol he seemed to like me out of anyone else who held him, cuz he always used to poop on my bf every time he held him xD also i was the only one who he let touch his head without pulling back. i wish i didnt have to sell him, he was my first bp ever, just a normal not a morph. ive also been pissed on by my female burm when she was about 9ft, apparently she couldnt wait like 2 more mins for me to put her back...that was not a good experience lol learned my lesson for sure

The only time I've seen snakes regurge after eating was due to extreme stress (a hissing, striking, extremely angry pine snake that doesn't get left alone to calm down, for example), or rough handling from an inexperienced keeper after a large meal. It really takes a lot to get a ball python to regurge, especially a baby, and regular, calm handling should not cause problems.

I wouldn't necessarily hold my snakes sooner than a couple days after they've fed, personally, but I also feed larger meals less frequently, so they do have a lump for a couple days after eating. As others have stated, as long as you wait until the bulge is gone and they appear to be moving around on their own, you're probably just fine.

-Jen

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Originally Posted by LLLReptile

It really takes a lot to get a ball python to regurge, especially a baby, and regular, calm handling should not cause problems.

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Absolutely, in fact I doubt you could make a baby ball python regurge if you tried to.
If an adult regurgitates you best look at the prey you are feeding, or the husbandry you are providing.

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Originally Posted by B.O.S Reptiles

I never go by time. If I see a bulge, I leave them alone. If I see no/a tiny bulge, I feel that they have digest enough to not be a problem.

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x2

"Snakes don't bite. Just humans."

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Originally Posted by jporter617

LONG STORY SHORT, DO WHATEVER YOU WANT! you asked for advice and myself along with others are saying the samething give them time to digest. would you want to eat a big meal and somebody pick u up? same as eating a lot and riding a roller coaster!

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Yikes, I'm being yelled at now? I don't do whatever I want, I collect facts or at least a lot of opinions in order to form my own opinion. I didn't say anything like "I don't believe you guys, I need more opinions", people have just been giving them, which is what I wanted, to hear multiple opinions, don't get so defensive. I was wondering if it could hurt them, and if some people had a story about how their ball python had half digested rat bones causing stomach perforation after handling, then I would be super careful to wait 48 hrs or longer, but it seems like it's more for the snakes comfort and possibly to avoid regurgitation in hatchling, or nervous bps.

Thanks for a great discussion! I learn so much here every day :-)

I haven't read all four pages and will not add to any escalation of telling you what is right or wrong...since I don't simply don't know. What we do for our normal is wait at least 24 hours before considering handling. I've noticed my snakes routine is to stay well hidden for at least three days after feeding. She tends to staying her her smaller warmer hides which I assume lessens her stress and adds a little extra heat for digestion. I don't like to try and pry her out of a hide simply to handle her. After those three days she gets a little more active, tends to bask at night, and stays in her larger cooler hide during the day. This is when we handle her the most. The three days before feeding she is easy to access, very docile, and seems to be fully digested. Then, we prepare for feeding and repeat the cycle. So, for us, feed on Friday night, handle from Mon/Tues until Thursday, maybe a little handling on Friday, then feed later in the evening on Friday. I guess what I'm trying to say is let the snake show you their schedule and give it time.

Cheers.