how often should i handle my BP?

snakesteve · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2006, 01:39 AM

when my snake gets nursed back from the myrky depths of the local pet store. how often should i/can i handle her. generally im not stupid and be sensible, letting him roam on his own and generally not freakin him out. any info on handling would be great.

thanks guys
Steve

Heidi · #2 (**permalink**) 01-17-2006, 02:11 AM

You need to handle him minimally until he is eating regularly. Give him at minimum two successfull feedings and then let him digest before handling. After that get him used to the handling in small spurts (15-20 minutes) a few days a week. After you know him you'll be able to read his signs in what kind of mood he is in and go from there.

Mr. Animal · #3 (**permalink**) 01-27-2006, 10:32 PM

well more when there little so they get use to u

JMurphy97 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 05:11 PM

When I got mine I was holding it right away.

gjmccag · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Animal

well more when there little so they get use to u

Ball pythons are not agressive like some snakes. I would not be to concerned as to whether it gets used to you. Make sure that it is feeding first and that you give it 24-48 hours after it eats before handling it.

rachel132002 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 09:43 PM

Ooookkk i'd worry about my royal being used to me becuase they are notoriously picky feeders because they get VERY stressed VERY easily, i don't handle any of my royals except for cleaning and weighing simply because they don't tolerate it well and will go off food and seeing as royals fast for lengthy times for no real reason anyways why provoke more reason? If you NEED to handle it then keep handling to as minimal as possible like once-twice a week for about 10-15mins but from what i've found they like small spaces nad as little interaction as possible. They're great snakes but not really made for handling or bright display vivs as they often get seeing as they live in holes in jungles in africa where there's no massive amount of light or disturbance it's an instinctual thing. Enjoy your royal though they are an awesome snake when they feed and shed etc properly!

Rach

snakebitten69 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 09:58 PM

lol thats b/s u can hold them every few days! 10-25mins @ a time! mine love to be out looking around and held and thay will eat! my female has not missed a meal yet! my male missed a few meals becouse of a regurge!
i take them out all the time more then i should!

rachel132002 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakebitten69

lol thats b/s u can hold them every few days! 10-25mins @ a time! mine love to be out looking around and held and thay will eat! my female has not missed a meal yet! my male missed a few meals becouse of a regurge!
i take them out all the time more then i should!

Why did he regurge? Stress? and 'i take them out all the time more than i should' kind of implies something and no what i wrote wasn't b/s as you nicely put it but something that i've read about, seen and experienced yeah there will be some that do fine with handling but how many royal/ball breeders etc will leave handling not only due to time contraint but also do to the fact hat snakes don't particualrly LIKE handling they tolerate it some better than others.

snakebitten69 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 10:57 PM

he regurge becouse his meal was too big! any yes my snakes are pets not breeder! and thay seem to like to be out and handled!

Heidi · #10 (**permalink**) 02-01-2006, 11:11 PM

The snake in question is a newly acquired snake and should be handled minimally for at least a couple weeks and at least the time it takes to get in two meals and digest. They are notoriously picky eaters and this is the safest guideline to go by. When we are talking about someone who is a newbie to the practice we need to let them know how things should be done, not what has or has not worked for you in the past even though it may not be the right thing to do.

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