Handling Etiquette

[TheSuppishOne]

Just wanted to ask... My life has become crazy hectic since having a baby and I have not had as much time to handle Flint (my 3 year old Dumeril's Boa) as I previously had prior to my daughter. I typically tried to handle him once every week or so, just to make him comfortable with me and other humans, but now that I'm only doing so once a month if that, is it unhealthy for the poor guy?

Is it okay that I'm not handling him as frequently as I used to, or is it neglectful?

(As a side note, I used to also take him outside and let him slither around the grass, but I read so much about mites that I pretty much stopped that immediately. Combined with the fact that it's only 50 degrees outside right now, am I correct in my assumption that outside would be not good...?)

[EL Ziggy]

Congratulations on the new baby :). I don't believe snakes "need" to be handled at all. Not handling him shouldn't cause any issues with him becoming more defensive. I also think taking him outside in such cold weather may not be the best idea.

[FWK]

Everything EL-Ziggy said ^^ Most of my snakes are handled only when their enclosures need cleaning. Snakes are actually better off when left alone, they don't have the social needs furry or feathered pets do. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance you're good.

[TheSuppishOne]

Okay, well that definitely sets my heart at ease a bit. I have been feeling so awful about it. Flint and I used to just chill on my couch while I played video games, and yeah, life's changed. Thank you for your responses.

[IW17]

I only handle my snakes when cleaning enclosures or if someone comes over and wants to check one out. None of their personalities have changed. Nice snakes are still nice, and the jerks are still jerks.

[Mad Max]

I don't really handle my snake that much, but he does like to come out of his cage and slither around the room at least a couple of times a week.