Ball python handling

[Snagrio]

Ok thanks. That’s what I’ll do. I’ve heard of so many though that take them out once a day for hours at end. (Not saying I would do this) and even go about their day doing chores and driving around with their snake. Is that bad for the snake?


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Depends on the chores and the snake's temperament, but just driving around with a snake for the sake of it? Can't see why that'd be a good idea.

Something more your speed (after he's had enough feedings and is settled of course) would be something like sitting on a couch in front of a TV for an episode or two of a show. It's a calm, stationary setting and it's a nice length of time where he's out long enough to start getting used to you, but not too long to where he gets uncomfortable being away from his dwelling.

[EthanMG]

Depends on the chores and the snake's temperament, but just driving around with a snake for the sake of it? Can't see why that'd be a good idea.

Something more your speed (after he's had enough feedings and is settled of course) would be something like sitting on a couch in front of a TV for an episode or two of a show. It's a calm, stationary setting and it's a nice length of time where he's out long enough to start getting used to you, but not too long to where he gets uncomfortable being away from his dwelling.

Yes, that is definitely what I planned on doing, but I had just seen people on YouTube and seen people in public and heard from others of just going about their day and bringing their snake with them. I wouldn’t do this, just wanted to know if this was bad for the snake even once they are completely comfortable with you after years


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[Zincubus]

I rarely handle my Royals these days .. maybe just when I’m cleaning their rub or when the granddaughters want to hold one or two ...

They are all perfectly calm and placid ... there’s no need to regularly handle them to keep them friendly imho - they’re generally so docile by nature - nothing like most other snakes imho


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[Bogertophis]

Ok thanks. That’s what I’ll do. I’ve heard of so many though that take them out once a day for hours at end. (Not saying I would do this) and even go about their day doing chores and driving around with their snake. Is that bad for the snake?


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Yes & no- it all depends on many factors.

First of all, anyone driving around with their snake is "asking for trouble" in several ways, & doing so to bring attention to themselves, which is NOT a good reason at all for the snake's well-being. People doing this have been in auto accidents (resulting in injury & death, not to mention trashing their cars & upping their insurance rates) all from handling a snake while driving- snakes can & do grab onto the steering wheel for stability (& because the outing IS stressful for them), making it suddenly hard or impossible to steer. Guess what- it's also a good way to get a well-deserved ticket. So please never do that- it may not end well.

If you must take your snake in your vehicle, it's best (safest) when first bagged securely in a cloth bag, & the bag inside a "cooler" of some type (or a styrofoam shipping box). Depending on the size of the snake in relation to the size of the container, either install a small air hole or open it briefly now & then for air circulation. (safety!) I've moved across half the country this way with many snakes- & trust me, they travel very well this way & don't seem stressed either. The reason for the "cooler" or styrofoam box is to keep their temperatures stable- otherwise they can overheat & die from sun streaming into the vehicle (or engine heat coming up from the vehicle's floor, in other cases) while you're busy with your mind elsewhere- sadly, it has happened & pet snakes have died.
Likewise, in the winter, you want to protect them from chills too.

For the most part, having a snake out & about with you- especially for an hour or more- is risky but sometimes okay, IF you're paying attention to the snake AND the temperatures. Examples:
I have for many years taken some of my snakes to give educational programs with them. Most of these have been indoors (climate-controlled)- some were lectures, but many have been "meet & greets" with a lot of "hands-on" handling. I've always taken multiple snakes- & they get breaks in travel containers- & while tired afterwards, they've always been fine. Keep in mind that we're 98.6* & that our own body heat can overheat a snake in a venue that's already warm- especially small & slender snakes that heat up faster, & especially those that in nature, prefer cooler temps.

I have on a few occasions taken a snake to an outdoor venue that lasted about an hour or a little longer than that. On those occasions, I had only one snake- so my attention was always on that animal's comfort & attitude. The snakes I take anywhere always travel as I described above (cloth bag inside "ice chest") so I always have a safe place to return them to if temperatures are less
than ideal or they just get tired. I have many years experience with snakes & with doing programs with them. As far as at home, I used to have a rosy boa that would happily snuggle around my neck (never too tight) while I did dishes- he seemed to enjoy it- but very few snakes can be relied upon to sit still that way & not cause trouble- so for me, they aren't practical to hold "while doing chores". Another exception was a large BCI (boa) I had for many years. Sometimes she'd snuggle around me while I watched a movie for a couple hours- and it was like a rodeo to get her back in her cage- she loved being out like that. If it was winter (my house is about 70* ambient, so chilly for her) I used not only my body heat to keep her warm, but also a large heating pad & blanket around us both.

What most of my snakes DO like is to be carried (one at a time) outside while I stroll around my back yard (half is shady) as temperatures permit. I do think that some occasional sun has some health benefits for them too, just as it does for us & many other animals. I've seen it improve their appetites too. Just be aware of temperatures so your snake doesn't overheat (!)

Just because you've seen some people taking their snakes out in public* doesn't mean it always ends well. A few years ago, there was a young man who (clearly for "attention" ) liked to stroll around the main streets in my town with his large boa wrapped on his shoulders. He obviously never thought about how hot his snake was getting while he did this- the snake had both the heat of the sun from above, & the heat of his human rising underneath him- & he had no way to signal his discomfort while this guy walked around for who knows how long? I found out from the vet techs at my vet's office that one day his snake died from a heat stroke.

The other issue with taking any snake out "in public" is that it's a very bad idea in general, UNLESS it's situation where pets of all kinds are expected- because some people really do panic at the sight of a snake, & that's not cool, nor does it help "our community" of herp lovers- instead of changing minds, it gets hostility & blow-back. In the situations I mentioned above, the outdoor events were a local church giving a "Blessing of the Animals" & I showed up early to make sure the minister was okay with a snake. He was, & in fact, he got a kick out of the "bragging rights" he got for having "bravely" met & blessed the docile snake I brought- and I did this with different snakes for several years- many people came over to meet the friendly snake I had with me, & anyone who didn't want to could keep plenty of distance- it was a large outdoor area- there was even a horse, but mostly dogs & a few other kinds of animals (rabbits & such). We've always been the "only snake there" & even got mentioned in their church bulletin. In fact, after the first year, they made a point of inviting us. And that is how we can responsibly change (or open) some minds.

[EthanMG]

Yes & no- it all depends on many factors.

First of all, anyone driving around with their snake is "asking for trouble" in several ways, & doing so to bring attention to themselves, which is NOT a good reason at all for the snake's well-being. People doing this have been in auto accidents (resulting in injury & death, not to mention trashing their cars & upping their insurance rates) all from handling a snake while driving- snakes can & do grab onto the steering wheel for stability (& because the outing IS stressful for them), making it suddenly hard or impossible to steer. Guess what- it's also a good way to get a well-deserved ticket. So please never do that- it may not end well.

If you must take your snake in your vehicle, it's best (safest) when first bagged securely in a cloth bag, & the bag inside a "cooler" of some type (or a styrofoam shipping box). Depending on the size of the snake in relation to the size of the container, either install a small air hole or open it briefly now & then for air circulation. (safety!) I've moved across half the country this way with many snakes- & trust me, they travel very well this way & don't seem stressed either. The reason for the "cooler" or styrofoam box is to keep their temperatures stable- otherwise they can overheat & die from sun streaming into the vehicle (or engine heat coming up from the vehicle's floor, in other cases) while you're busy with your mind elsewhere- sadly, it has happened & pet snakes have died.
Likewise, in the winter, you want to protect them from chills too.

For the most part, having a snake out & about with you- especially for an hour or more- is risky but sometimes okay, IF you're paying attention to the snake AND the temperatures. Examples:
I have for many years taken some of my snakes to give educational programs with them. Most of these have been indoors (climate-controlled)- some were lectures, but many have been "meet & greets" with a lot of "hands-on" handling. I've always taken multiple snakes- & they get breaks in travel containers- & while tired afterwards, they've always been fine. Keep in mind that we're 98.6* & that our own body heat can overheat a snake in a venue that's already warm- especially small & slender snakes that heat up faster, & especially those that in nature, prefer cooler temps.

I have on a few occasions taken a snake to an outdoor venue that lasted about an hour or a little longer than that. On those occasions, I had only one snake- so my attention was always on that animal's comfort & attitude. The snakes I take anywhere always travel as I described above (cloth bag inside "ice chest") so I always have a safe place to return them to if temperatures are less
than ideal or they just get tired. I have many years experience with snakes & with doing programs with them. As far as at home, I used to have a rosy boa that would happily snuggle around my neck (never too tight) while I did dishes- he seemed to enjoy it- but very few snakes can be relied upon to sit still that way & not cause trouble- so for me, they aren't practical to hold "while doing chores". Another exception was a large BCI (boa) I had for many years. Sometimes she'd snuggle around me while I watched a movie for a couple hours- and it was like a rodeo to get her back in her cage- she loved being out like that. If it was winter (my house is about 70* ambient, so chilly for her) I used not only my body heat to keep her warm, but also a large heating pad & blanket around us both.

What most of my snakes DO like is to be carried (one at a time) outside while I stroll around my back yard (half is shady) as temperatures permit. I do think that some occasional sun has some health benefits for them too, just as it does for us & many other animals. I've seen it improve their appetites too. Just be aware of temperatures so your snake doesn't overheat (!)

Just because you've seen some people taking their snakes out in public* doesn't mean it always ends well. A few years ago, there was a young man who (clearly for "attention" ) liked to stroll around the main streets in my town with his large boa wrapped on his shoulders. He obviously never thought about how hot his snake was getting while he did this- the snake had both the heat of the sun from above, & the heat of his human rising underneath him- & he had no way to signal his discomfort while this guy walked around for who knows how long? I found out from the vet techs at my vet's office that one day his snake died from a heat stroke.

The other issue with taking any snake out "in public" is that it's a very bad idea in general, UNLESS it's situation where pets of all kinds are expected- because some people really do panic at the sight of a snake, & that's not cool, nor does it help "our community" of herp lovers- instead of changing minds, it gets hostility & blow-back. In the situations I mentioned above, the outdoor events were a local church giving a "Blessing of the Animals" & I showed up early to make sure the minister was okay with a snake. He was, & in fact, he got a kick out of the "bragging rights" he got for having "bravely" met & blessed the docile snake I brought- and I did this with different snakes for several years- many people came over to meet the friendly snake I had with me, & anyone who didn't want to could keep plenty of distance- it was a large outdoor area- there was even a horse, but mostly dogs & a few other kinds of animals (rabbits & such). We've always been the "only snake there" & even got mentioned in their church bulletin. In fact, after the first year, they made a point of inviting us. And that is how we can responsibly change (or open) some minds.

Very very great points! Yeah, I definitely don’t agree with people bringing them around for bragging rights and also scaring people which hurts the hobby like you said. That’s why I would never bring my guy out in public (and also for stress reasons). I was just curious about other peoples’ ideas on bringing their pets out and about, and you really helped and gave a thorough answer . As far as taking my ball anywhere, the only place would be to my backyard. When I eventually (when he’s older) do this, should I always be holding him, or is it ok to let him slither around on the grass while being supervised?


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[Bogertophis]

Very very great points! Yeah, I definitely don’t agree with people bringing them around for bragging rights and also scaring people which hurts the hobby like you said. That’s why I would never bring my guy out in public (and also for stress reasons). I was just curious about other peoples’ ideas on bringing their pets out and about, and you really helped and gave a thorough answer . As far as taking my ball anywhere, the only place would be to my backyard. When I eventually (when he’s older) do this, should I always be holding him, or is it ok to let him slither around on the grass while being supervised?


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One thing to never do is put them out in a container in the sun- even if it seems cool enough, heat builds up & can kill. Years ago I tried to help someone's pet snake who did this, but it was too late- the snake died from heat stroke. The owner meant well but didn't know any better- they left him out for about 30 minutes in an aquarium with a screen top, thinking it would be okay. It wasn't.

As for whether to hold your snake or allow on the grass, there's plenty of disagreement there: I always hold mine- only. Where I live, there's too many risks in the grass, & good herp vets nearby don't exist, so I don't take that chance. Your snake can pick up all sorts of parasites (chiggers, ticks, worms, etc) & pathogens left behind by other animals (even birds & local lizards), so I don't chance it. (FYI, even YOU can get "worms" by going barefoot.)

Also, you want to be sure that the lawn wasn't treated with any kind of pesticides or other chemicals- your snake can absorb them thru their skin. I know it's tempting to let them crawl in the grass, & they absolutely love it too- many photos on this site of members doing just that. Not me. Also- it's hard to see small holes in the ground that are obscured by grass- but your snake WILL find them, just like they find their way into couch cushions & such. Be careful...snakes won't come when you call them.

You ask great questions! Sorry about my long-winded answers-

[EthanMG]

One thing to never do is put them out in a container in the sun- even if it seems cool enough, heat builds up & can kill. Years ago I tried to help someone's pet snake who did this, but it was too late- the snake died from heat stroke. The owner meant well but didn't know any better- they left him out for about 30 minutes in an aquarium with a screen top, thinking it would be okay. It wasn't.

As for whether to hold your snake or allow on the grass, there's plenty of disagreement there: I always hold mine- only. Where I live, there's too many risks in the grass, & good herp vets nearby don't exist, so I don't take that chance. Your snake can pick up all sorts of parasites (chiggers, ticks, worms, etc) & pathogens left behind by other animals (even birds & local lizards), so I don't chance it. (FYI, even YOU can get "worms" by going barefoot.)

Also, you want to be sure that the lawn wasn't treated with any kind of pesticides or other chemicals- your snake can absorb them thru their skin. I know it's tempting to let them crawl in the grass, & they absolutely love it too- many photos on this site of members doing just that. Not me. Also- it's hard to see small holes in the ground that are obscured by grass- but your snake WILL find them, just like they find their way into couch cushions & such. Be careful...snakes won't come when you call them.

You ask great questions! Sorry about my long-winded answers-

No don’t be sorry, I LOVE your answers!! You’re so helpful! To be safe, I’ll just keep him on me. When I lay in the grass I see many little bugs and all sorts of things (and there are probably lots I can’t see). I like hearing all the experiences and stories you’ve had with different people and snakes, even if they’re sad stories. You’re not lying when you say you know what you’re talking about and have been doing this awhile, that’s for sure lol!


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