Hunger strike handling

[DCash]

Hey all! My male 600g ball python has been on a hunger strike for about a month and a half. I’ve been leaving him alone expect when doing maintenance or getting his weight. Do any of you handle your snakes when they are on a hunger strike or do you wait to start handling again once the strike is over?? Just curious what you all think. Thanks!

[Dianne]

It depends on the snake. For Orion, who I purchased 10/27/2018, I handle only when necessary: cleaning cage, short wellness check with weigh in, etc. No more than 5 minutes. He just ate for me for the first time last night. I’ll handle him only once he starts feeding regularly. For Eli, my 28 year old bp, I still handle periodically, roughly every week or two. He doesn’t fast every year, but when he does I typically don’t worry too much because it isn’t unusual for him.

[DCash]

Thanks, I’ll keep handling down to a minimum until he starts eating again I think!

[Alter-Echo]

My big female pastel, Pandora, fasts for 6 months of the year whether I handle her or not, doesn't seem to make much difference either way.

[FollowTheSun]

I handle mine daily, sometimes only for a minute and other times I take them out to hang out with me. The only time I don't handle is during shed. I think daily handling is important to keep the snakes relaxed and calm pets. If they are just for breeding then probably not necessary.