Is alot of handling good for a snake?

I was wondering how many people take out their snakes every night, (except for after feedings) and for how long. And if it's bad to take out your BP every night because i take mineout almost every night 4 about 3 hours and was wondering if this is good or bad for the snake?

It really depends- I generally handle all of them every day, and sometimes for a long time. They seem to like it. However, I do not touch them before or after feeding, or during shedding.

I hold mine several times a week for about 25 minutes:snake:.... I don't hold them 2 days after they've eaten though... I don't really know if it's bad for them but I know a lot of people who are holding their Ball Pythons that long and their snakes are perfectly healthy:D

Ya, i take mine out every day, before/during shedding i tend to leave him except after he loses his spectacles, then I give him 2-3 baths in 2-3 days in a row. (one bath a day) and usually in a few days he sheds fully:snake:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BallPythonLover45

I hold mine several times a week for about 25 minutes:snake:.... I don't hold them 2 days after they've eaten though... I don't really know if it's bad for them but I know a lot of people who are holding their Ball Pythons that long and their snakes are perfectly healthy:D

---

I took mine from my friend becasue he was moving so and he wasn't kept in agood conditions so I need to work some of the fat out of him;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CRAZY

I took mine from my friend becasue he was moving so and he wasn't kept in agood conditions so I need to work some of the fat out of him;)

---

"work the fat out"He was overfed you mean?... If that's what you mean mine loves to crawl around when held and that's great exercise for them:)

Without getting into a debate on whether snakes are actually capable of "liking" or "loving" anything, I do feel that it is healthy for them when we provide occasional stimulation/exercise for their otherwise boring and mundane daily routine of laying inside a cage all day.

I like to handle my bp's 15 - 30 minutes each every week.

I have to agree w/that, too... a bit of exercise is certainly beneficial to them?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Without getting into a debate on whether snakes are actually capable of "liking" or "loving" anything, I do feel that it is healthy for them when we provide occasional stimulation/exercise for their otherwise boring and mundane daily routine of laying inside a cage all day.

---

Good post!!! they seem to like it sometimes but maybe they're just tolerating it.... who can really know for sure??? But the exercise is good for them and I know that mine always seems to want to get out of his cage for a while:)

I take Furio out everyday twice usually once mid day and once toward night for about half hour to 45 minutes and he seems to never wanna go back!

Unless he's just ate. He eats every Thursday and I don't pick him up until Sunday.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Without getting into a debate on whether snakes are actually capable of "liking" or "loving" anything, I do feel that it is healthy for them when we provide occasional stimulation/exercise for their otherwise boring and mundane daily routine of laying inside a cage all day.

---

I disagree, to us its pretty boring, but to them its instinct to hide out and ambush prey, thats nature and thats what they do. I dont think exercise is much of a concern to bp's.

I handle mine everyday for like 30 to 40 mins and he seems to like it. I even handle him a day after he has been fed and no problems. I guess like people each snake has a different personality :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by juddb

I disagree, to us its pretty boring, but to them its instinct to hide out and ambush prey, thats nature and thats what they do. I dont think exercise is much of a concern to bp's.

---

Well, remember that they actually crawl around, hunt prey, evade predators, as well as search for mates during the breeding season when they're in nature. You can't argue that their activity level is not greater in the wild than it is in a tub 24/7. I'm perfectly aware that they are chiefly ambush predators, but they do move around once in a while. A ball python isn't going to sit in front of the exact same burrow in the exact same position for 15+ years.

This is also why I prefer live over f/t as the snake actually gets a chance to use those constricting muscles.

Hello, I used to handle my snakes everyday for a long time, however now I only handle for a few hours each week, I prefer to sit and watch them at night when they come out and explore there enclosures :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

This is also why I prefer live over f/t as the snake actually gets a chance to use those constricting muscles.

---

Well, I use tongues with f/t mice, and the snake still strikes and contricts..

I mean, its cheaper and safer to feed f/t, so why not... :banana:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thedigi1

I handle mine everyday for like 30 to 40 mins and he seems to like it. I even handle him a day after he has been fed and no problems. I guess like people each snake has a different personality :)

---

How do you know he does not get belly ache? I mean, generally its best to wait 2 days, for the snakes sake..

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CRAZY

Ya, i take mine out every day, before/during shedding i tend to leave him except after he loses his spectacles, then I give him 2-3 baths in 2-3 days in a row. (one bath a day) and usually in a few days he sheds fully:snake:

---

Bathing your bp during a shed cycle, can actually make it worse because you are depleting the natural build up of fluid between the old skin and the new skin- which is what makes a good shed.

There is no reason or need to soak a bp, unless it has already had a bad shed and cannot remove it on its own. A bp should also not soak in his water bowl, unless the humidity is far to low, or there is another husbandry issue or illness that needs attention.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thedigi1

I handle mine everyday for like 30 to 40 mins and he seems to like it. I even handle him a day after he has been fed and no problems. I guess like people each snake has a different personality :)

---

It is advised to give your bp 48 hours of rest/no handling after eating because the digestion period in that 48 hours is sensitive and handling him/her during that time can cause regurgitation. Regurgitation is dangerous to a bp for several reasons including extreme stress.

I hold my BP every day, sometimes twice a day unless he just ate (which then I wait 48 hours) or when he's shedding.

If the snake is shedding in one peice, eating, not striking at you and healthy, I see no reason to limit handling to only a few times a week. Of course, you don't want to handle the snake ALL the time, since this would cause stress.

In my opinion, it's finding your own snakes happy medium. Some snakes won't mind being held alot while others do. They may not be able to love or hate but no one can argue that they all have very different personalities.

Do you hold your snakes or let them move around on their own? I usually try to hold my snake a few times a week for 10 min at least. Sometimes when Kojack gets comfortable he will try to escape my grasp. One time when he did that and I went to keep him from getting lose he jumped back at me. Kinda scared me but it probably scared him more. I'm still trying to get over my fear that he's going to strike me one day :-P

Quote:

---

Do you hold your snakes or let them move around on their own?

---

A little of both. I may let him sit in my lap while I watch tv, or let him crawl around my bed while I'm cleaning his cage, or sometimes let him crawl off my shoulders and on the floor while I'm posting on forums...lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GTKeeper

Well, I use tongues with f/t mice, and the snake still strikes and contricts..

I mean, its cheaper and safer to feed f/t, so why not... :banana:

---

Well, not every snake is the same. I have some snakes that will casually and gently take the prey from tongs and the same snakes will vigorously attack/constrict a live mouse. Find what works for you and your snake.

It really depends on the snake. Some of my BP's love to be held and others... not so much. Same with my Corn Snakes. I have one Corn who comes right into my hands whenever I open his enclosure and never wants to go back in. And I have another Corn who hates to be handled. Snakes, like people, come in all flavors.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kojack8389

Do you hold your snakes or let them move around on their own? I usually try to hold my snake a few times a week for 10 min at least. Sometimes when Kojack gets comfortable he will try to escape my grasp. One time when he did that and I went to keep him from getting lose he jumped back at me. Kinda scared me but it probably scared him more. I'm still trying to get over my fear that he's going to strike me one day :-P

---

Kristen,

As a keeper of snakes you may get bit one day. It hasn't happened to me yet (knock on wood). But I'm looking into larger more aggressive snakes and I'm sure it's just a matter of time. I understand that a bite from a BP is not that big a deal though. Take comfort in knowing that the more you get to know your snake and the more he gets to know you, the less you will worry about it.

I've never been bitten, knock on wood, this time around. As a kid I was bitten plenty catching black snakes and corn snakes and yellow rats and so forth (I grew up in Florida). Never been bit by a ball, and we have eight of them. One is a butthead tho...

I let our snakes crawl all over me... and sit on my neck... they explore me and my bf when we're sitting on the sofa or whatever. I do keep a good grip on Butthead tho, so far... ;)

This thread should be in "General Herp". Anyway, I can't even vote because the options are talking a bit big. I handle my Hogger for 15 minutes a day, which would be one hour and 45 minutes in an average week.

I have 3 of different species of snakes, I feed them different days so I can always have a day for handling one if I want to,
Usually 15-30 minutes.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Well, remember that they actually crawl around, hunt prey, evade predators, as well as search for mates during the breeding season when they're in nature. You can't argue that their activity level is not greater in the wild than it is in a tub 24/7. I'm perfectly aware that they are chiefly ambush predators, but they do move around once in a while. A ball python isn't going to sit in front of the exact same burrow in the exact same position for 15+ years.

This is also why I prefer live over f/t as the snake actually gets a chance to use those constricting muscles.

---

Thats why i keep mine in 15qt or 32 qt tubs depending on size for ample space for movement. I dont keep huge snakes in shoe box tubs. But i dont think they should be handled as often as most people do and justify it by saying they need excercise, they should be doing plenty of moving in there enclosure. Just my $0.2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Well, remember that they actually crawl around, hunt prey, evade predators, as well as search for mates during the breeding season when they're in nature. You can't argue that their activity level is not greater in the wild than it is in a tub 24/7. I'm perfectly aware that they are chiefly ambush predators, but they do move around once in a while. A ball python isn't going to sit in front of the exact same burrow in the exact same position for 15+ years.

This is also why I prefer live over f/t as the snake actually gets a chance to use those constricting muscles.

---

Also, WC snakes are far stronger than CB in most cases. They have to get the muscle by exercising it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by kojack8389

Do you hold your snakes or let them move around on their own? I usually try to hold my snake a few times a week for 10 min at least. Sometimes when Kojack gets comfortable he will try to escape my grasp. One time when he did that and I went to keep him from getting lose he jumped back at me. Kinda scared me but it probably scared him more. I'm still trying to get over my fear that he's going to strike me one day :-P

---

He will probably not unless you give him a reason. Learn the snake body language. I'd rather be bit defensively than as mistaken for prey. I got bit by a rescue who thought i was food. It sucked big time. A snake* that is biting defensively is not going to sink their teeth in as hard (most 'o the time) as they would if they thought you were food. They don't want to get stuck with those recurved teeth to a scary predator! it takes them a few seconds to disengage the teeth, most snakes (balls/corns in my experience) will strike conservatively and often don't bite down hard, if they even open their mouth at all. I have received many a love tap from a scared baby ball. They bunch up, then go "doink" against your hand or wherever with a close mouth strike.
i think it's pretty cute, but i do try to calm down and not frighten them any more if they do it.

*Most of my experience is with relatively pleasant balls, i hear some snakes are mean biters! i can't say for sure...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Without getting into a debate on whether snakes are actually capable of "liking" or "loving" anything, I do feel that it is healthy for them when we provide occasional stimulation/exercise for their otherwise boring and mundane daily routine of laying inside a cage all day.

---

I totally agree. Even though in the wild they tend to spend most of their time in mouse holes in the wild they still have the option
of moving around. So whenever I take out Hercules I always hold him at the edge of the tank to give him the option of going back in, but he never wants to.

I dont take mine out for exercise. When I take out my female she will roam for a minute or two then coil up on my chest and stare at the tv for hours. I feel bad when I have to get up for anything she looks so comfy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Onua Nuva

This thread should be in "General Herp". Anyway, I can't even vote because the options are talking a bit big. I handle my Hogger for 15 minutes a day, which would be one hour and 45 minutes in an average week.

---

I apologize ,i guess because I only have 1 ball python I forgot that most people probably have more than just 1 BP, or will be looking into another species... :oops:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sg1trogdor

I dont take mine out for exercise. When I take out my female she will roam for a minute or two then coil up on my chest and stare at the tv for hours. I feel bad when I have to get up for anything she looks so comfy.

---

Awsome...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ophiuchus

Well, remember that they actually crawl around, hunt prey, evade predators, as well as search for mates during the breeding season when they're in nature. You can't argue that their activity level is not greater in the wild than it is in a tub 24/7. I'm perfectly aware that they are chiefly ambush predators, but they do move around once in a while. A ball python isn't going to sit in front of the exact same burrow in the exact same position for 15+ years.

This is also why I prefer live over f/t as the snake actually gets a chance to use those constricting muscles.

---

My friend who I got it from fed live so I'm not sure Hercules realizes i now feed him dead. Basically, I'm pretty sure everyone does it, i stick the mice in a bag and stick it in warm water so the smell is released and he thinks its live. Then I start dragging it with tongs around the cage so he thinks it's alive, and does constrict it...:rolleyes:

Well no one has answered the question asked in the thread title.

I personally don't believe that "a lot" of handling is good for your snake. I do believe that handling is for our pleasure, not the snake's, and we need to be able to respect that they simply tolerate us.

It does make us feel better to think that our snakes desire the interaction as much as we do, but I don't think any of my snakes "miss" me when I'm out of town, or have snakey dreams about our interactions together.

A more relaxed animal that has adapted well to handling may make their keeper feel that they "love" to come out, when in fact, they're simply an animal that doesn't stress as easily.

Behaviors such as stretching up to the top of the enclosure makes some keepers feel that the snake is desiring their company when in fact the snake is checking the enclosure for signs of weaknesses to exploit in an opportunity to escape. How many escaped ball pythons have sought out their owners because they desired to be handled or be in their company?

So, I voted the last option. I love interacting with my snakes - I have enough of them that I don't have to overhandle any one of them. They do get a daily handling of a few minutes to check them over for overall general health and time for me to say "man you're a gorgeous snake - you're my favorite!" to each of them. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rabernet

Well no one has answered the question asked in the thread title.

I personally don't believe that "a lot" of handling is good for your snake. I do believe that handling is for our pleasure, not the snake's, and we need to be able to respect that they simply tolerate us.

It does make us feel better to think that our snakes desire the interaction as much as we do, but I don't think any of my snakes "miss" me when I'm out of town, or have snakey dreams about our interactions together.

A more relaxed animal that has adapted well to handling may make their keeper feel that they "love" to come out, when in fact, they're simply an animal that doesn't stress as easily.

Behaviors such as stretching up to the top of the enclosure makes some keepers feel that the snake is desiring their company when in fact the snake is checking the enclosure for signs of weaknesses to exploit in an opportunity to escape. How many escaped ball pythons have sought out their owners because they desired to be handled or be in their company?

So, I voted the last option. I love interacting with my snakes - I have enough of them that I don't have to overhandle any one of them. They do get a daily handling of a few minutes to check them over for overall general health and time for me to say "man you're a gorgeous snake - you're my favorite!" to each of them. :)

---

Great post and my thoughts exactly!! I have to bite my tongue on many occasions when people say their snake wants to come out to "play" and interact. I just don't understand how they've interpreted it that way...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by littleindiangirl

Great post and my thoughts exactly!! I have to bite my tongue on many occasions when people say their snake wants to come out to "play" and interact. I just don't understand how they've interpreted it that way...

---

Or when the snake is hungry, and moving in their cage, so automatically that means they want more food....:8:


I have about 20+ snakes, and I like to hold at least one a day! if not more

I take mine out as often as possible. I guess it all depends on my schedule and whats going on. whenever i get a free moment i take her out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rabernet

Well no one has answered the question asked in the thread title.

I personally don't believe that "a lot" of handling is good for your snake. I do believe that handling is for our pleasure, not the snake's, and we need to be able to respect that they simply tolerate us.

It does make us feel better to think that our snakes desire the interaction as much as we do, but I don't think any of my snakes "miss" me when I'm out of town, or have snakey dreams about our interactions together.

A more relaxed animal that has adapted well to handling may make their keeper feel that they "love" to come out, when in fact, they're simply an animal that doesn't stress as easily.

Behaviors such as stretching up to the top of the enclosure makes some keepers feel that the snake is desiring their company when in fact the snake is checking the enclosure for signs of weaknesses to exploit in an opportunity to escape. How many escaped ball pythons have sought out their owners because they desired to be handled or be in their company?

So, I voted the last option. I love interacting with my snakes - I have enough of them that I don't have to overhandle any one of them. They do get a daily handling of a few minutes to check them over for overall general health and time for me to say "man you're a gorgeous snake - you're my favorite!" to each of them. :)

---

I pretty much agree with Robin on all points and I also voted the last option. I generally handle them only to give them a regular inspection to check for any health problems or when I'm cleaning their cages, or because I just feel like holding a snake (I find snake handling very calming and relaxing). I have a few snakes that don't seem to care if I hold them or not, most of them tolerate it after a couple of minutes of squirming around and a few that are very timid, stress out easily and really hate being handled at all. I don't have ANY snakes that I can honesty say like being held.

However, there are a few exceptions when it comes to handling where they'll be handled for much longer then normal periods of time. I often do a number of educational shows every year where I'm showing off my snakes to the general public. In these cases I'm holding snakes for the public to touch and pet while I explain a little bit about their background. These snakes may be exposed to petting and touching for up to two hours at a time so it's important to know your snakes personality and how well they can handle being touched. Most of the snakes that I use for these programs come from the 'don't seem to care' group. I NEVER bring out a snake that is in the 'timid, easily stressed' group, and I NEVER bring out a snake that has ever bitten me for any reason.

Yes, many timid snakes can be desensitized to handling and come to tolerate it better, however these are also the ones that can suddenly strike out and surprise you at the most inopportune times. When allowing another person to pet or touch your snake, it's better to stick with one that has always demonstrated an easy going attitude rather then one you think you've tamed with a lot of handling.

Mark

Most BP's can tolerate being handled or become accilimated/ conditioned to being handled overtime, some more and others never get used to the idea.

The wanting company or friendship is a human idea. Snakes are for the most part solitary animals and get no benefit by being around other animals for survial or social needs unlike people, dogs, apes, sheep many inscets etc..

They only encounter they need is a rodent every once and a while.

I do agree that excersize is helpful and my vet also told me that many captive reptiles become obese because they eat way more than they would naturally and use a fraction of the energy.

I have seen necropsy pics of snakes that had large fat pockets that ultimately caused organ damage.


So finding a balance is good and some animals may tolerate it more but I have some animals I only handle for maintenance because they are way too nervous.

When someone asks me can I hold a snake I always know who will be more than pleasant to come say hi. So knowing your snake is key, they all have their own little personality.

Overhandling does lead to feeding problems and stress can lead to weakened imune system problems.

I agree balls can be over handled. I take mine out for about 15-20 mins. every day or so. Except for the feeding rest time...and mine are out going balls.

I was wondering, at what point should you stop handling you snake at the start of the shedding process? When it's belly goes slightly pink, when their on the second or third day of pinkish-ness, or at the point of spectacles becoming visible? Because usually i take Hercules out every night but for the last 3 or 4 days he has been hissing at me every time I reach in there. And his belly has gone pink so i no that means a shed is starting, but he didn't hiss last time he was shedding. Or should I just leave him alone some nights even when he isn't shedding?
I'm so confused...:confused:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GTKeeper

Well, I use tongues with f/t mice, and the snake still strikes and contricts..

I mean, its cheaper and safer to feed f/t, so why not... :banana:

---

I hope you use tongs and not your tongue because that would be painful if the snake misses. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CRAZY

I was wondering, at what point should you stop handling you snake at the start of the shedding process? When it's belly goes slightly pink, when their on the second or third day of pinkish-ness, or at the point of spectacles becoming visible? Because usually i take Hercules out every night but for the last 3 or 4 days he has been hissing at me every time I reach in there. And his belly has gone pink so i no that means a shed is starting, but he didn't hiss last time he was shedding. Or should I just leave him alone some nights even when he isn't shedding?
I'm so confused...:confused:

---

All snakes are different. I have some who I can handle anytime. And others who I have had to learn when and how often to handle them. They will let you know.

O.o after reading all these posts I'm worried. I handle my snake a ton. Except of course for that 48 hour period where he has just eatin. Is it really bad for them to be handled? Gosh I hope not :( :please: So many people here have different opinions on it. Is there any real answer to that question?

Few minutes a week while cleaning their tubs.

I picked the last option and I'm with Robin on this one...

I'm from the thought process that all handling is somewhat stressful to a snake. I rarely take out a snake just to hold them; most of the time I am either showing them to someone who is interested that has come to my house or during cleaning.

Every now and then I do handle them for my pleasure: watching t.v. or taking pictures of them, but thats far and few in between.

I would only consider regular handling to help tame an overly agressive snake.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Siarah

O.o after reading all these posts I'm worried. I handle my snake a ton. Except of course for that 48 hour period where he has just eatin. Is it really bad for them to be handled? Gosh I hope not :( :please: So many people here have different opinions on it. Is there any real answer to that question?

---

Well, once again, as I'm sure u'v read before, all snakes are different. If ur snake happily crawls around you when u have have him/her out the I'm sure s/he is fine. But if the entire time s/he is just curled up, s/he is probably not so happy. And, in the end, it all narrows down to your instincts, this may sound corney but I can sort of feel when my snake is uncomfortable, when he would rather be left alone, partially because of the hissing, but sometimes he dosen't hiss, and he just doesn't do any thing, but that's only happened once or twice.
Sometimes he hisses when he wants to come out, but I just scared him. So it's all down to your gut instinct, and how your snake is acting.

P.S. Nice moves ;-)