Ball Python handeling

[ben12500]

So I have a male bp that I love to death. He is pretty much full grown seems very healthy. I really want to be able to handle him but I want to do it the right way. How long and how often can I hold him? He sat with me while I did homework for an hour and seemed content. I normally interact with him three times a week for 30-45 minutes. Of course I leave him for a couple days after eating. Thoughts?

[Bogertophis]

I think you're doing just fine. When a snake seems contented with you, you're doing something right. (Of course some species are also more easily "contented" than others.) When a snake is stressed by poor husbandry or too much handling, they often react by not eating, & apparently that's not the case here. How long have you had him? (Just because he's full-grown doesn't mean that you're his original owner.)

[ben12500]

I think you're doing just fine. When a snake seems contented with you, you're doing something right. (Of course some species are also more easily "contented" than others.) When a snake is stressed by poor husbandry or too much handling, they often react by not eating, & apparently that's not the case here. How long have you had him? (Just because he's full-grown doesn't mean that you're his original owner.)

Thanks for the feedback! Im glad to hear that I'm not overdoing it, he is a great eater so I feel better in that regard. I have had him for a bit over a month. The place I got him form said that he came to the store as a hatchling and has been there since. Weather or not this is true doesn't really concern me because he is super friendly and seems happy.

[Bogertophis]

Thanks for the feedback! Im glad to hear that I'm not overdoing it, he is a great eater so I feel better in that regard. I have had him for a bit over a month. The place I got him form said that he came to the store as a hatchling and has been there since. Weather or not this is true doesn't really concern me because he is super friendly and seems happy.

He sounds like he came thru life in the store unusually well- pet stores are generally stressful places, & also have many risks for the transmission of mites & diseases. I'm glad to hear he finally got the loving home he deserves. You sound a little doubtful that he's been there his whole life too- I have a hunch that he might have been sold to someone & then returned after a time -often times young kids beg for a pet, then lose interest- especially something low-key like a snake- & possibly the store didn't want to risk giving you those sort of details? I guess you'll never know, but I wouldn't worry about it. He's happy with you & you're happy with him- that's what counts.