Snake Activity and Frequency of Handling

[mackynz]

You are making the assumption that the OP is interpreting his snakes actions/body language incorrectly. Based on his descriptions, do you truly believe this is the case? Because I do not. I believe the OP has a good understanding of his snakes body language.

I do. It's silly to claim your snake likes to see and smell new things when unless you're Harry Potter your snake isn't doing much talking back to you. Like I said, I don't think his snake likes being around his neck, I think it likes not falling. It's usually how most of the (few) deaths from big snakes in the US have occured, they think they're falling and they wrap. Take something that isn't arboreal and put it high up and it's sure going to hang on. That doesn't mean it likes it.

I am not trying to sound disrespectful or anything, but how do you guys know pythons do not have emotions? Have you ever been a ball python? Do you know him? Does he call you at home?

Plus when someone asks for an opinion on a public forum and then turns around and says they didn't because they don't like the results it irks me. Also in regard to that quote, OP have you been a ball python?

None of us will ever truly know what is going on in a snakes brain. We can only make inferences based on observation. That being said, there is no problem with either of your methods of snake interaction. Neither are wrong nor right. As long as the animal is not being overly stressed with handling there are zero issues that can arise out of handling your snake a bit more or letting it slither in the grass. I don't handle my snakes THAT much, but I have in the past and I had zero issues with feeding.


OP: I understand the point of your post, but try not to become upset when people don't share the same viewpoint and opinion. None of us are any less loving of our animals because of the way we do (or don't) handle them. Honestly, I don't think the snakes really care either way! As long as they have a nice cozy hide and a rat every week they will be healthy and happy.

This kind of topic is a matter of opinion. Anyone who looks down on a fellow keeper for their handling practices (assuming husbandry is spot on) is making this discussion unproductive. We are all animal lovers here!

True facts.