Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
As a means of building trust...the same reason we hold our pets at all? They are essentially wild animals who rely on instincts, but they certainly do learn
that they are safe with us. I say this as one who interacts with the public with my snakes for educational purposes, & as one who has never had a snake
bite or act badly during any such program or "meet & greet". In my experience, the trust my snakes seem to feel when handled apparently carries over
to total strangers, which is exactly what I want & what they need: good public relations
Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
Also: if our snakes learn to relax & trust our handling during a shed, it may have positive carry-over when you have to take them to the vet, or medicate
them at home, for example. I guess it comes down to whether you enjoy having a pet that you can interact with on some level, or if you just enjoy keeping
wild animals in a cage at arms length? If you don't interact, how can you expect them to learn? Personally, I'd rather prevent bites.

Stress affects not only our immune systems but theirs too: if our snakes are living in unnatural conditions (in captivity!) with us lurking around (as possible
predators?), don't you think it might be better if we find ways to show them they are safe with us? I do, & I believe it pays off.

(I'm NOT saying that I intervene with every snake that's about to shed: I'm busy, so it doesn't happen often. I'm just answering the question of "why" we
might want to do this at all...just to be clear?)
Interesting...
I don't know I agree though. I handle each of my snakes at least 3 days a week, trust has been built, and I've never assisted with a shed. My snakes are pets. They have also been handled by other people, some of which had never touched a snake prior. None of my snakes have ever struck at or acted aggressively towrds a stranger, family member, first timer or anybody but me and my girlfriend (both times were our fault, we spooked my King).

I handle at least two of my snakes each day. My animals aren't display animals nor kept at arms length. I interact with them all, pretty much daily. I show my animals they are safe and none are aggressive, all handle extremely well....all without ever assisting a shed.

I prefer not to be bitten as well, but fail to see how assisting with sheds prevents bites.
I guess I still don't see the benefit if the animal is healthy and shedding on its own.