For collections: How do you have time to spend with all your snakes?

Hello everyone!

I notice a lot of people have big reptile collections. I have one tort and a bearded dragon and a bp. I also have six hermit crabs. Apart from the hermits they all like attention and enjoy being with the family. I sometimes feel like I want more animals but when I foster cared for four other snakes over the summer I realized it is hard to have enough time to spend with everyone. How do you do it? Also what are some good snake enrichment ideas ? Thanks in advance :) I love having reptile people to talk to. Especially when there are not enough people in the world who look at a snake and feel their heart melt

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

The great thing about snakes is, they don't need affection, cuddles or kisses. Giving attention to snakes is like reciting Shakespeare to a cactus.

Now with that said, I like to handle mine at least once a week (I only have 4 btw) because I bought them as pets and I'm going to smother them with love, whether they like it or not. ;)

I think most people with large collections are mostly breeders and don't really care about cuddling their snakes.

Just a thought...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

Well, between feeding and shedding and the two grumpy ones, there's always someone who doesn't want to be held anyhow. I usually go drag somebody out to chill and watch tv with for a few minutes after my daughter gets in the tub at night. I try to make sure I rotate through them, so they all get turns. But I do have my favorites. ;)

Theres some snakes i dont handle much and some i handle more then others my desert enchi and my big normal boy are the 2 i handle the most

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk

Thanks guys :) I never thought about the shedding and eating part. That is actually one of the reasons I want another snake. I always want to hang out with her but three days a week I can't due to feeding

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

I check in/peek on on my guys every day to every other day and if someone needs to be changed I do that or when I feel like taking someone out for photos I do that too. I don't particularly spend time with any one snake more than the other, I actually prefer to leave them alone since I know that's what they prefer (besides the few who seems to like crawling around outside of their cages/tubs for exercise). None are favored or cared for "more" over others.

I currently have about 60 reptiles in my collection. Honestly? The only time I "handle" my animals is to look them over while I'm cleaning to make sure they are okay or to take pictures of them. It took me a while to realize that they don't enjoy it. In most cases it just stresses the animal out. While I do love each and every animal in my collection, I don't need to have them wrapped around my neck or chilling in my lap to show them love. I show my reptiles love with clean enclosures/tubs, clean water, and regular feeding schedules. :) Hope that helps!

I currently have 10 ball pythons and I handle them all at least two times a week. Really depends on their attitude on the time im cleaning their cage, changing their water, temp checking their hot spots. As the above post stated they would prefer to be in their secure hide it seems more than anything. come cleaning time or water time if one is out of its hide and crawling around and checking stuff out I will hold him/her while im changing the paper towels in the enclosure, and then sit down for a little bit with them. The one thing I notice with all 10 of my ball pythons is after handling if I put their head next to their favorite hide they almost always go in and sometimes very fast. To me that says that them being handled is more enjoyable for me than it is for them.

If I see a BP at the front of the tub, going back and forth, I'll sometimes take them out, and they seem to enjoy it. I'm not sure if they actually do, but I like to think they want to go exploring when they are doing that, so I let them for a bit :P.

But all in all, sometimes I only take them out to clean their cages, and some weeks I'll take one out every day. I only do it when I want to interact with them, since I know they most likely don't enjoy it. If I can tell they are stressed, they usually get placed back in the rack within a few minutes. If they aren't stressed, I'll have them out for longer :). It really depends on how busy I am, and if I want to take them out. That is one of my favorite things about snakes--you don't have to give them attention, and you only handle them when you want to (ignoring cleaning, of course).

As others have said before me, they are probably better off being left alone most of the time. But that doesn't make me feel bad taking them out... except when my wife pokes them in the face :colbert: I keep telling her she is going to get bit eventually, but she gets a kick out of it... :rolleyes:

The best "enrichment" you can do for a snake is having a suitable enclosure for that species, which may include having places to climb, or tight spaces to feel comfortable in

Thank you guys so much :) I really have enjoyed reading the responses so far. It is super insightful! My ball Python seems to come out of her hide every night at around 11:30. She used to never come out so I hope that means she is feeling comfortable.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by missriss2012

I currently have about 60 reptiles in my collection. Honestly? The only time I "handle" my animals is to look them over while I'm cleaning to make sure they are okay or to take pictures of them. It took me a while to realize that they don't enjoy it. In most cases it just stresses the animal out. While I do love each and every animal in my collection, I don't need to have them wrapped around my neck or chilling in my lap to show them love. I show my reptiles love with clean enclosures/tubs, clean water, and regular feeding schedules. :) Hope that helps!

---

Me too, but I have less than 20 right now. Cleaning tubs and watering is about the only time I really handle them. I try not to handle them on feeding day, they seem to know that day very well and will and have struck at me on that special day.

Only one of my snakes enjoys being handled, and since he is no longer a breeder (due to injury) I give him all the attention he wants. Most times he is content to hang around my neck or explore nearby but sometimes he tries to be naughty and dive down my shirt! Every other snake gets a clean enclosure, fresh water, and warm hides. They are well loved.

I only have 8 at the moment, but I don't really handle them anymore aside from cleanings because it causes too many stress issues. When I leave them be save for changing water, cleaning tubs and occasionally just checking on them to check :rolleyes:, they eat without hesitation every week. Even my problem feeder eats better when I leave him alone. He was the one that made me realize that handling often doesn't benefit them in any way. It makes them a better "pet" maybe, because they are calmer with occasional handling, but even without they are not a species that gets too difficult to work with or anything. Granted, each animal is different. My male mojo has always tried to get me when I go anywhere near his tub, but that's just how he is. *shrug*

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Misha

The great thing about snakes is, they don't need affection, cuddles or kisses. Giving attention to snakes is like reciting Shakespeare to a cactus.

---

Lmao!! That has to be one of the funniest things I've read recently. :rofl:

I only have four ATM, but I take them out when I have time and when I feel like it. They're just fine without me holding them or giving them attention. They make great pets for my busy life (two jobs and school). My favorite is my original pin. Now that it's winter and our apartment has no insulation, me holding them is usually with the both of us under a blanket and for short periods of time.

I handle some snakes everyday. But that's mainly for me, it seems to make me feel calmer. Personally I don't think the snakes give two hoots about being held of not and most would probably prefer to be left alone. Some of them do seem to enjoy coming out for a while but I think that's mainly a curiosity thing and not because they enjoy my company. I think they do recognize me as part of their environment but I'm sure they think of me as more of a warm moving tree that brings them food then as an actual object of affection.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by WarriorPrincess90

Lmao!! That has to be one of the funniest things I've read recently. :rofl:

---

Haha. Thank you! This was my clever joke for the year. :)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

I usually take one or two out at night, and then every other weekend or so I go on a playdate bonanza and hang out with everyone. Some are more curious than others and seem to enjoy a little slither around the room, while others just hang out on my head. Either way, I do it for myself, as they are the only thing that can truly calm me down when I get upset.

My crested and adult leopard geckos actually seem to love coming out. They will wait at the front of their enclosures for me when I come in the room and then climb up my arms. I get all warm and fuzzy inside when I see their little faces begging for play time :P

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Misha

The great thing about snakes is, they don't need affection, cuddles or kisses. Giving attention to snakes is like reciting Shakespeare to a cactus.

Now with that said, I like to handle mine at least once a week (I only have 4 btw) because I bought them as pets and I'm going to smother them with love, whether they like it or not. ;)

I think most people with large collections are mostly breeders and don't really care about cuddling their snakes.

Just a thought...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

---

I disagree 100% but I agree 100%. My one snake seems to love when I take him out and loves to be outside the tank,even greets me when he sees me at his tank,even though he is fed and not hungry at the moment...having big collections where you can't give all of YOUR PETS attention,well IMO,it's pointless...like you said, unless your breeding then that's different

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NYHC4LIFE8899

I disagree 100% but I agree 100%. My one snake seems to love when I take him out and loves to be outside the tank,even greets me when he sees me at his tank,even though he is fed and not hungry at the moment...having big collections where you can't give all of YOUR PETS attention,well IMO,it's pointless...like you said, unless your breeding then that's different

---

There is no difference between breeding and pet quality collections. Your snake does not know you, like you, or care about you. They are simply incapable of it.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

They don't need me to spend time with them. I take mine out and hold them for a few minutes when i'm cleaning their tubs. Thats plenty of interaction for them, i'm sure lol. Also if someones over and wants to see them then they get taken out and held. Other than that, they pretty much just chill in their hides 90% of the time lol.

I think that other snakes can "enjoy/appreciate" handling time a bit more, but for balls they're just too simple to really imo. I have a few that tolerate handling better, but i still don't think they enjoy it.

I suppose it bears mentioning that some of my collection that gets handled more is the boas. Who do seem to enjoy being out. Especially Guapo.

My ball pythons do not care if I give them attention or not. They actually seem to prefer to be left alone.

I clean and maintain their enclosures regularly. I look into their enclosures and check up on them time to time.

If I have an animal that requires regular attention and handling, they get it. No question about it. My ferrets, for example, get to come out to play for several hours out of their cage daily. My dogs get daily training and exercise sessions. These animals need it. My ball pythons? Not really. None are aggressive, wild, or need taming down/desensitization sessions either.....


Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

I can't imagine not handling Tiny once or twice a week. She seems to enjoy it but I have never seen her angry. My hermit crabs could care less about me for sure Lolz.

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

I usually check on the snakes twice a day...i pull out the tub, check for poo n pee, if he/she is in shed, and note if he/she looks hungry. If i clean an individuals tub at that time, they get to slither around on the carpet a bit. I usually dont "play" with my lg females during breeding season except to check for follicles. As far as handling just because, i do have some favorites i take out much more than others, say 2-3x/week and "play" with ;)

*note: we have 22 snakes ;)
sent from my incubator

I check on mine three times a day. I let them out every other day to roam around etc.

There is a point in which they go from pets to breeding stock. I really realized that the last time I went to the vet and she asked me how many head I had. At first I thought, "well we just have a few horses", and then I realized she meant snakes, lol. I definitely don't spend time with my snakes like I would if they were my pets. The most I handle them is when I'm cleaning or when I have people come over to see them. Other than that I leave them be.

I love reading the responses =) Def. my ball seems to not mind me holding her, but perhaps I enjoy it more for me. As some of you guys mentioned, holding a snake can be very calming. I have found that with my anxiety, Tiny helps tremendously

Well, my take on it is that they do have different personalities, however limited. My balls, tolerate handling to various degrees, ranging from actively trying to explore to trying to bite anything moving because they want left alone. With my lizards and turtles it varies even more. I have 3 ackies in a cage, one dissapears the moment the door opens, one sits watching me warily, the last will practically come out to say hi, especially when food's involved. But the one common thing I take from all mine is that the interaction is more for my benefit than thiers. But that's ok by me.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Darkbird

Well, my take on it is that they do have different personalities, however limited. My balls, tolerate handling to various degrees, ranging from actively trying to explore to trying to bite anything moving because they want left alone.

---

This is my experience also. While all of mine can be handled, I have two who don't fuss about being messed with, or will pop right out of their tubs and just watch us doing chores in the herp room unless they're digesting or in shed - the others hiss and dive straight for a hide if they're not already under one.

The boas are more apt to come out of their hides and up to the front of their enclosures when someone enters our herp room, but I think that's because they're just being typical begging hungry boas.

I do like to leave them alone...they are checked out daily, though.