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

[Really]

Oh, and I also agree on breeding for temperament. I do believe it is passed on. I wish people would do that with all reptiles and that we'd stop importing wild caught animals.

[mattchibi]

Take mine outside in the back yard when its warm enough out to take photos, she seems to love the fresh air and all the grass but who knows what shes really thinking...

[Mike41793]

Oh, and I also agree on breeding for temperament. I do believe it is passed on. I wish people would do that with all reptiles and that we'd stop importing wild caught animals.

Without importation we wouldnt have new morphs.

[Crazy4Herps]

Without importation we wouldnt have new morphs.

Speaking of opening up a huge can of worms...

[Dracoluna]

To the OP, I believe it depends on the snake. There are some that won't care and others that will freak out. It all comes down to knowing your animals. Like everything else, snakes have their own personalities. If you see the animal getting stressed, figure out what's causing it and make a mental note. My pastave doesn't care about going outside though she's the higher strung of the two but my albino who travels, likes handling, etc. hates going out in the sunlight because it seems to bother her eyes. In late evening, she's all for it though. As long as you know your snake, you'll know the answer.

For those of you discussing the nature vs nurture side of things, I have hatched out over 200 babies from a single pair of corns. Both parents are tolerant, easygoing, and have been like that since hatchlings. The babies have all been treated the same and I've seen everything from passive pets to mean little throwbacks (I have one from last year if anyone wants a corn with attitude). Most babies tend towards the calmer personalities but there are those who stress or are aggressive. We can breed for it and give ourselves a better shot but there are no guarantees where personalities are concerned. Granted, some of the 'throwbacks' are able to be handled and will get used to it, but they are always more easily stressed. I've watched several of these babies grow up and one of the original throwbacks who's now about 9 y/o is still very defensive. Once picked up, he calms down but until then, the gloves stay on. He is with a family who takes him out and handles him regularly. They learn to an extent but they still have personalities which don't always change no matter what you try to do. Just my two cents from what I've seen over the years...

[Mike41793]

Speaking of opening up a huge can of worms...

Thats not a can of worms bc theres no debate to be had...

Its a fact that without importation we wouldnt have any morphs, or balls in general. Im not aware of any native ball python populations in the US???

Do i think the heavy importation of CH babies being sold to petstores should stop? Absolutely! I dont find it necessary at all. So i agree that mass importation should be stopped, but not importation all together.

[Mike41793]

For those of you discussing the nature vs nurture side of things, I have hatched out over 200 babies from a single pair of corns. Both parents are tolerant, easygoing, and have been like that since hatchlings. The babies have all been treated the same and I've seen everything from passive pets to mean little throwbacks (I have one from last year if anyone wants a corn with attitude). Most babies tend towards the calmer personalities but there are those who stress or are aggressive. We can breed for it and give ourselves a better shot but there are no guarantees where personalities are concerned. Granted, some of the 'throwbacks' are able to be handled and will get used to it, but they are always more easily stressed. I've watched several of these babies grow up and one of the original throwbacks who's now about 9 y/o is still very defensive. Once picked up, he calms down but until then, the gloves stay on. He is with a family who takes him out and handles him regularly. They learn to an extent but they still have personalities which don't always change no matter what you try to do. Just my two cents from what I've seen over the years...

THIS^^^
all of this

Three thumbs up, bc two isnt enough!

[Helifreak]

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!

^^ This

I think it is totally dependent on the personality of the snake. I only have 2 BPs and 3 corns, and one of BPs ( male pastel ) is totally relaxed and easy going in just about any situation - and I will sometimes take him for a walk around the yard - we call this yard patrol - we look at all the plants and flowers - he seems to like smelling all the different plants and remains totally relaxed during the entire experience ( body is like jello ).

My female lesser, on the other hand, doesn't seem to care much for exploration. She tenses up and is always trying to get away.

So bottom line - it depends on the personality of the animal. My male pastel that likes to explore doesn't really like it when I set him on the ground - he usually crawls right back to me - he seems happy just hanging around my neck or cupped in my hands.

[Crazy4Herps]

Thats not a can of worms bc theres no debate to be had...

Its a fact that without importation we wouldnt have any morphs, or balls in general. Im not aware of any native ball python populations in the US???

Do i think the heavy importation of CH babies being sold to petstores should stop? Absolutely! I dont find it necessary at all. So i agree that mass importation should be stopped, but not importation all together.

I agree completely. But there's a whole other debate to be had on that topic.

[Mike41793]

I agree completely. But there's a whole other debate to be had on that topic.

...which is?
I still dont see what the debate would be.