Waiting to handle after eating?

[theJuju]

I've read that you need to wait 48 hours after feeding to handle a BP? Im dying to play with my little girl tonight and was just wondering why.

Thanks!

[CatandDiallo]

To reduce the possibility of regurgitation.

[Evenstar]

BPs can stress very easily and they are not known for truly enjoying handling - they more tolerate it than enjoy it. As such, handling can cause undue stress and if they have a big meal sitting there in their belly, they may decide to get rid of it. Regurgitation can be a real problem. Snakes are not designed like people and they are not meant to get rid of their meal. A regurge can cause major problems and/or injury so we as keepers must do whatever it takes to prevent that - including not handling them. And once a snake regurgitates, it is more likely to do it again. Trust me, this is not an area you want to go.

Another reason is that snakes need a quiet, warm place to fully digest their meals. It takes up to 48 hours for them to digest. Just as you probably wouldn't want to hop directly on the roller coaster after eating a big full meal, your snake doesn't want to be handled either.

I can totally understand you wanting to hold your snake, but it is important to wait. There are valid reasons for waiting and there will be plenty of time to hold him later.

[theJuju]

Okay, that makes a lot more sense now. Thanks for the clarification!

[snakesRkewl]

Snakes do not regurge because you hold them

Seriously those old school rumors are so over inflated it gets old seeing them regurged.

Snakes like to digest their meals after eating and it's not a bad idea to allow the snake to do so, BUT it will not regurge because you hold it.

stepping off my soap box...




Allowing your little one to rest and soak up the heat after they eat

[VEXER19]

Ive held mine before to show people after she ate and she is fine. But it is quite obvious for the next 2 days she wants to be left alone. So if you want to pick your bp up for like 30 seconds then do so but not to just play with it. Mine is hasnt left her corner since I fed her saturday and probably wont until tomorrow. She likes to just chill for a few days after she eats.

[mattchibi]

I always stick to the 48 hour rule, and even longer if its a big meal. You will have your snake for the next 15-20 years, you will have plenty of time to handle her. Eventually, it becomes routine not to handle for those 2 days of the week. I always feed Sundays and never handle on Mondays or Tuesdays, but on Wednesday, when I handle her again, its always really rewarding. Just find ways to distract yourself and eventually you'll get used to your snakes schedule

[CatandDiallo]

Snakes do not regurge because you hold them

Oh?

No need to be snarky. This is just the opinion that I have seen most around and have come to believe.

Anyone else?

[theJuju]

So I guess it just depends on my snake's personality, then? Kinda confused now.

[CCfive]

Regurgitation is a snakes last resort. They will usually only do it if they feel endangered and unable to escape/fight. Gentle handling will not initiate this response. As said, leave them to digest, but if you need to handle to clean something ect.. they'll be fine.