lowstress handling for tameness?

[Starbuck]

Hey all, while this question is not specific to carpets, in my context im applying it to my jcp so posted it here.
im curious about yalls perceived minimum handling needs to maintain a tractable and tame snake?
obviously it will depend heavily on the attitude of the snake, as I have picked up wild garters and eastern milks who were just as tame as my rosyboa, but not every wild snake it like this....
since getting more involved with school, I dont handle my snakes that often, though I enjoy having them in my study to watch and be around. Since my carpet will be significantly larger than my other snakes, I would like to do my best to maintain her comfort with being handled. Even if I never trust her completely as I do my Honduran and rosy, I would like to be confidant in moving her for cleaning etc, and in taking her out from time to time.

In your experience, what is the minimum amount of handling a young snake would need to be relatively calm with some mild handling?
as an aside, I tend to handle all my snakes very respectfully amd slowly, I dont grab them and leave bits dangling etc but rather try to support them and give them some personal space. Is there a different methodology for handling carpets ( my other snakes are relatively clumsy xolubrids who dont hold on very well....)

[SSSSnakes]

I handle my snakes as little as possible. I don't believe it is the amount of time you handle a snake that calms them down, but the way you handle the snake. I handle very aggressive snakes and they do not bite me because of the calm way I handle them. When other handle some of my snakes, they get bit by snakes that never even try to bite at me. So I believe it is more the handlers experience and calm handling then it is the amount of time the snake is handled. My snakes are handled only for husbandry maintenance and for my shows. Other than that I leave them alone.

[Mikoh4792]

In my experience they calm down with age and low stress(gentle movements during maintenance) while getting used to your presence, not with handling.

I don't handle my carpets at all now except for taking them out to clean their enclosures.

They've all calmed down considerably over-time. My biters don't bite anymore, my non-biters are not that nervous around me anymore. I still interact with them by changing their water dish, spot cleaning...etc so they seem to get used to my presence.

Same with my cay caulkers boa. He is the snake I handle the least, since he gets fed the least(least maintenance). When I first received him he was very nervous, hissed and struck at me every chance he got(I'd probably get bit several times everytime I handled him). After months of the no handling approach I can just reach in and grab him without a reaction.

[metalcopper]

I handle my snakes when I feel like it. I like pythons and boas that are slow moving and not flighty. I like to look at their patterns, their perfections and imperfections. I like to watch them move and flick their tongue when they are smelling their surroundings. I like to watch them eat, I feed only F/T, but it's still fun. I enjoy taking them out a few times a week.

[CosmicOwl]

I usually handle my snakes a couple of times a week. I try to be as calm and gentle with them as possible. I know some people don't like to handle their snakes, but I think it's useful and enjoyable. It gives me a chance to look them over for any abnormalities and see what their muscle tone is like. From my experience, they eventually get over the stress of being and handled and learn to take advantage of the exercise and the ability to explore a bit. My adult corn will come right up to my hand so he can be taken out of the cage. However, this behavior isn't common and not all snakes will adjust to being handled.

[Tsubaki]

I don't take my snakes out either, many of them still calm down with age and casual interaction with cleaning etc. Some don't, but still if you handle them with care and respect you still don't get bitten. Haven't been bitten in about 10 years, and several of my snakes weren't really in the category 'Docile' (I apparently fall in love with whatever tries to kill me the most)

Also, i don't feel the need to handle them to appreciate their beauty. Don't see how it can be beneficial for the animal. The only times they come out is for cleaning, and full body checks or any pictures i want to take are all done at that time. :) I don't judge people who take out their snakes more often, this is just my own way.

[UwabamiReptiles]

In my experience, carpets seem to calm down once they hit a certain size. I've always thought that once they get some size on them, they don't feel as threatened as they do when they are hatchlings. Just like mentioned earlier, it also depends on how you handle the snake. I have five carpets now and I haven't been bit by any of them in years. Over time, you learn how to read your snakes and that is the biggest thing. But of course that takes time to accomplish.