Ball python handling

[Bogertophis]

Ok thanks, should I handle every other day then and if he stops eating regularly then stop the handling, or is every other day still too much? As for the length of the handling, are you saying I should handle for longer periods of time? Also, I am very comfortable with my ball python and try to make him feel as comfortable as he can be. I stay away from his head, let him move where he wants to, and support the middle of his body. I’m not afraid of him at all, I’m not afraid of getting bitten, but definitely want to avoid it (of course). It’s crazy how everyone’s opinions are so different. It makes it hard to know what’s right to do. I know the safest option is to not handle, but I’d like to handle him as much as possible where he’s still comfortable.


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Perhaps the most common "mistake" people make with "pet" snakes is over-handling, and since eating "is job#1" for their health & growth, you want to make sure you don't interfere with that.

Understand that stress is something that lowers the body's immune system functioning. This is true whether human or animal- even true for snakes. When you get a new snake, it's very stressed being in a new place- and even more so if it was shipped to you. Remember that no matter how docile some snakes (like BPs) are, & no matter that they're captive-bred, they're still "wild" animals that rely on their instincts to survive. The ONLY thing that picks up a snake in the wild is a predator that's about to eat them. They do not understand that you're their new buddy, that you only want what's best for them- it takes time for them to feel safe with us & most gradually do seem to catch on. But just because they're not biting you doesn't mean they're okay with it yet- for most snakes, handling causes fear, & fear is an appetite-killer.

Nearly everyone that gets a new snake wants to handle them- all I'm saying is that it's best to put their needs first. It's safe to assume this snake was not handled previously, but even if they were, they're still stressed being in a new place- none of which they understand. ("Where did the place I felt safe before disappear to, & how do I get back there?" is what they might well be thinking.)

So for best results, don't rush handling into the mix- add it gradually as long as they still eat. I would not jump to every OTHER day either- once or twice a week at most as long as they're eating.
Gradually increase that only if all goes well & he keeps on feeding.

I know it's difficult to sort out- we don't all see it the same way- but it's NO fun trying to get a snake eating again when you've gone too far & they stop. More importantly, it puts their health at risk- remember the stress issue? They can be carrying any number of pathogens ("germs") from previous or current exposure, & if their immune system is suppressed from stress, they're more likely to get sick, or an infection of some kind. This is the hardest concept to get across to you & others, because it's nothing you can see or measure definitively- but please take my word for it. I want you to enjoy your new pet, but I also don't want you to end up at the vets office with them.

It's all about "risk reduction". When our snakes eat, their bodies get the nutrition they need to function optimally- that supports their immune system too, as does adequate rest. If they go off eating for a while, they not only lose weight, but also their ability to remain healthy- that's when any little pathogens that may be lurking can get the upper hand & cause trouble. Does this make more sense now? You sound like a caring owner, btw- my advice would be handling for a little longer at a time (if he seems comfortable with it, obviously), but only once or twice a week at most, while you make sure he keeps eating. It's up to you though, he's your responsibility now- I can only "recommend".