How soon after a regurgitation can I handle my snake?

[Eric Alan]

I'm sorry, but I still just don't understand. I'm not trying to be annoying or anything, but why couldn't I handle him after, say 5 days? I just don't see any harm in it. Of course I wouldn't handle a few days before feeding and a few days after. But he's not going to be eating for a while, so why couldn't I?


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He has very clearly shown you that he is upset by something. Currently, his digestive system is working overtime to replace the fluids needed to digest food properly, which adds considerably to him being upset. For perspective, would you want some Godzilla monster picking you up when you've got an upset stomach? Would you rather be left alone at least until you're well enough to keep food down like normal?

I'm mostly concerned as to why the short-term satisfaction you (not him) get from handling is more important than his long-term health. You didn't get a toy - you got a live animal that relies on your for its well-being. Is a few weeks of hands-off time seriously that terrible to recommend?

[tbowman]

You clearly don't want advice. You seem dead set on justifying, at least in your mind, something that many people who have much more experience than you, have recommended against. But who are we to argue with someone who has, to use your words, "successfully owned a ball python for six weeks". Good luck with your snake.

[LivingwithBalls]

Woah, didn't mean to offend anyone...


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[Eric Alan]

Woah, didn't mean to offend anyone...


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Not offended here. No reason to be. Just trying to help. Have a good night, everyone.

[tbowman]

I don't think anybody is offended. It's just that your question has been answered very clearly multiple times and you still seem to challenge it.

I think we all know how tempting it can be to handle our snakes. There are just times when you gotta leave them alone.

[LivingwithBalls]

I'm honestly not understanding. It's not that I "need" to hold him, I'm really just curious and I don't get it. Sorry if I'm not as intelligent as everyone else, I thought that's what these forums are for.


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[DVirginiana]

Not offended; it's not my snake.

I'm honestly not understanding. It's not that I "need" to hold him, I'm really just curious and I don't get it. Sorry if I'm not as intelligent as everyone else, I thought that's what these forums are for.


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You come across like you have the intention of handling when you've been told you shouldn't rather than just asking for info.

[Mykuhl]

Ok, very simple answer why you should not be handling him for a while till he settles down: He had a very stressful experience, is very likely still stressed and very likely will be for the time already mentioned. Stress causes digestion problems which will in turn make regurgitation likely to reoccur.

If you don't want this to happen again don't handle him again until he is eating normally again.

I hope this helps you understand.

[LivingwithBalls]

Ok, very simple answer why you should not be handling him for a while till he settles down: He had a very stressful experience, is very likely still stressed and very likely will be for the time already mentioned. Stress causes digestion problems which will in turn make regurgitation likely to reoccur.

If you don't want this to happen again don't handle him again until he is eating normally again.

I hope this helps you understand.

Okay, but is this scientifically proven? How do you know this? I don't just want an answer, I want reasoning behind it. If anybody has a link to a website or article about this subject that would be helpful.


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[LivingwithBalls]

Didn't you say in another thread that you had handled him for 30 minutes prior to the regurge? (correct me if I'm wrong) That's a pretty long time and could be stressful. I'd personally recommend not handling for so long at once even after you start handling again, but that can really stress out a snake especially if it's prone to being a bit nervous or jumpy.
Like everyone else has said though, you can't tell what exactly caused the regurge, so you have to use the process of elimination (in this case, eliminating handling/husbandry stress) to figure out what caused it.

Oh and btw, yes it was 30 minutes. I know some are against handling for long amounts of time, but this is our usual handling session. He's an extremely relaxed snake. With lots of research I have concluded that as long as the snake does not seem stressed or agitated, I can handle him for as long and as much as I want. When I do handle him he usually explores a bit and then settles down for a nap either on my lap, my chest or wrapped around my arm.


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