Is It Good To Take Your BP Out For A Walk ?

[myztic24]

we take ours 2 ball pythons out with us whenever theres like a festival or fair around since i use my bps in illusions it gives people a chance to check them out up close after the show

[DooLittle]

Reminds me of a previous thread about taking your snake outside on a beautiful day.

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[Salamander Rising]

Lol save the walks for a dog.

You take dogs for walks.

You take snakes for drags.

/rimshot

Thank you.
I'll be here all week.

[Salamander Rising]

we take ours 2 ball pythons out with us whenever theres like a festival or fair around since i use my bps in illusions it gives people a chance to check them out up close after the show

Meh.

Illusions.

I can make my whole family actually disappear, using my snakes.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I think it's stressful for the animals, but that is offset some by the exposure to natural sunlight. (Just because snakes don't require UVB doesn't mean they don't benefit from it). A quiet, short jaunt outside to explore a grassy, sunny area may do them good, but I wouldn't haul them around for a walk, and I would restrict the amount of time they're out. Take care not to let them overheat, as well. I would not do this more than twice a week. I don't take my snakes out often--generally just for photos. They are both curious and apprehensive. Their body language tells me that being in a new location, in the open, is stressful for them, so I don't overdo it. They're curious, sure, but also worried about finding some place to take cover, since they're vulnerable to predators out in the open.

Remember that brief periods of mild stress are generally not harmful, but long-term, repeated, severe, or continual stress IS harmful.

[Coleslaw007]

I keep trying to take mine for walks but they keep slipping out of their collars.

None of them are understanding the concept of "fetch" either. Anyone have any tips?

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[Slim]

I don't feel my snakes gain anything from being taken outside, and the drastic change in surroundings can be a pretty big stress inducer.

They have all the room they need to stretch out and explore in the supervised comfort of my living room, without the risk of mites, ticks, overheating, and negative public exposure.

I don't have too many issues with owners who take their snakes out for short photo ops in natural sunlight, but other than that, I don't see too much real need to take them out side.

As for educating the public...you can't educate someone who's mind is closed, ambushing someone with a snake is a sure way to turn them off and create a negative opinion, and lastly, it seems like every time I see someone walking around with a snake in public, it's always a "look at me" thing. Again, not the best foot to put forward for our interests.

[Mike41793]

Usually ill take mine out in the early evening if its still kinda warm out. Like low to mid 70s. I only really do this to get pics though. I think thats usually the best time bc its not the hottest part of the day with the sun beating down but its also not too cool out yet. Also the light that the sun gives off as its low in the sky can make for some cool lighting in pics.

I dont do this often. Maybe like once or twice a month with only one or two snakes at a time. I also know my snakes pretty well and know which ones tolerate it. Like my female cinny can be pissy sometimes and nervous so i wont take her outside just bc i think it would stress her out alot. My normal and fire both tolerate handling very well so theyre usually the ones i take out to handle or to bring outside on the rare occasion when i do.

[WingedWolfPsion]

This might be a point at which to note that, in our breeding programs, we should strive to select for docile, calm animals that are adaptable to change and aren't easily stressed.

I think an unfortunately large number of folks side-step that issue when breeding, and go for color and pattern at the expense of all else.

We can also help promote this by demanding good temperaments and flexible feeders when we go shopping for snakes--a higher demand will induce more people to select for these traits, and price them higher--thus creating a stronger market for them.

Our snakes should be able to shrug off a jaunt out into the sunlight without experiencing undue stress. At present, not all of them can.

[Crazy4Herps]

I think it completely depends on the snake. If your bp is relaxed outside and seems to enjoy it, let her out in your yard every now and then; if not, keep her inside. My ball python is very nervous, so I don't take her outside. She doesn't benefit from it, so there is really no excuse for me subjecting her to that much stress. But both of my boas absolutely LOVE the outdoors and they will spend hours exploring my backyard (heavily supervised, of course), so I try to get them out 3-4 times a week.

Consider temperature before you take her out, though. If it's any cooler than 70* or warmer than 90* I wouldn't take a snake outside. Also, give her access to shade so she can cool off if she needs to.

And of course... if you do let her out, natural lighting is the best for a photoshoot!