BP handling tips for new owner

[alilak]

Hello everyone

Just a small update on my 2 year old Enchi boy. Following all the excellent advice from this forum he's now settling in well and seems to be getting comfy. He ate last week Saturday for me for the first time (large f/t mouse) and took his meal last night as well like a champ- strong and instant feeding response!

As suggested I will wait until he has his third meal next week before starting a bit of handling. My goal is to get him to be very comfortable and docile being handled- he was super calm when handling a few times before purchasing (at the shop) but has been very defensive since being brought home (even bit my wife which I posted about).

Wanted to know what's the best way to start handling him? I just lift his hide, gently get him out while supporting his body and hold him for a while and put him back after 10-15 minutes? And repeat every 2 or 3 days?

Would love to know your opinions and advice.

Thanks!

[Zincubus]

Hello everyone

Just a small update on my 2 year old Enchi boy. Following all the excellent advice from this forum he's now settling in well and seems to be getting comfy. He ate last week Saturday for me for the first time (large f/t mouse) and took his meal last night as well like a champ- strong and instant feeding response!

As suggested I will wait until he has his third meal next week before starting a bit of handling. My goal is to get him to be very comfortable and docile being handled- he was super calm when handling a few times before purchasing (at the shop) but has been very defensive since being brought home (even bit my wife which I posted about).

Wanted to know what's the best way to start handling him? I just lift his hide, gently get him out while supporting his body and hold him for a while and put him back after 10-15 minutes? And repeat every 2 or 3 days?

Would love to know your opinions and advice.

Thanks!

More or less what you said but I would start slower with 5 minute sessions, myself.

Also at the start I'd maybe handle mornings / afternoon when he's nice and chilled -- they're more squirmy in the evenings ..


I always raise the hide slowly and approach them from behind , don't move your hand towards his face / head - go from behind.


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[Craiga 01453]

Glad to hear he's eating well for you!

As for handling, try to be confident when going in, while still maintaining a respect for a wild animal.

Keep in mind their predators primarily come from above, so if you can approach from the side a bit that helps.
Be gentle and don't just pinch and grab, support the body somewhere around the snake's midsection.

Once out, let the snake dictate where it goes. By that I mean don't restrict it's movements, but obviously don't just let it wander off. Move your hands as the snake moves to try to support the body.

As for how long and how often, let the snake dictate that as well. Watch the snake's body language. After a few short handling sessions you'll have a good idea of what signs mean stress as well as what a relaxed, curious snake looks like.
Breathing should be slow and controlled, the snake's lungs shouldn't be quickly expanding and contracting.
Tongue flicks should be slow and controlled too. Intermittent casual flicks are relaxed, while fast and frequent flicks are a sign of stress.
The snake itself should be moving in a relaxed, deliberate manner, not jerky and erratic.
Once it's time to put back, put him back gently. Let him crawl off your hands into his enclosure if possible.

I would suggest starting with about 10 minutes, but less if the snake seems stressed and you can go longer if the snake shows no signs of stress.
Assuming the handling session went well and ended on a good note I personally see no reason not to handle the next day if you want. If the snake was showing signs of stress, wait a day.

It's not a perfect science and there's no routine set in stone. Be confident, respect the animal, and develop a mutual trust at whatever pace works for you and the animal.

Good luck!! Keep us posted and feel free to ask any questions you may have

Oh, and P.S. avoid quick, jerky movements yourself, and especially around the snake's head and face.

[alilak]

Ok understood

Thank you guys