handling question

[chydro]

do you guys ever hold ur snake in the dark? and is it ok to do that? i heard it might be ok for my mbk because hes nocturnal

[Max713]

I hold Scarlett at night pretty frequently, but only when she is actively exploring her enclosure and/or prodding the enclosure door. She usually doesn't act any differently at night, although sometimes she seems to be a little more of a handful. Not in any way aggressive, just that she has a lot of energy, ready to explore her surroundings. I never wake her up to handle her at night. I see no issues with handling your snake at night, it's all about "reading" your snake. I am pretty familiar with Scarletts behavior, if she is actively moving about her enclosure, she is more than willing to be handled, and in some cases actually seems like she's looking for it (although I have no tangible evidence to support this). If she is inactive or sleeping, she is more resistant to handling, although she will let me none the less.
As I said, it comes down to "reading" your snake. I'm sure others will chime in with their point of view, and many will tell you it is not the best idea to handle a nocturnal snake at night.
I'm just sharing my point of view, it works for me, and many other experienced reptile owners.

[Lankyrob]

I handle mine whenever it is needed night or day. If i am getting the snakes out for MY pleasure then i will "read" each snake before deciding which one gets to come out - after a while you can tell when your snake will be calm or be defensive.

[stephanbakir]

I haven't met a snake that minds being handled in the dark. They all have their bad days but in general I haven't noticed changes in my snakes or the snakes of friends regarding current lighting.

[chydro]

ok thanks for everyones input, i held him last night. he was totally fine

[stephanbakir]

Glad to hear it:)

[mistersprinkles]

do you guys ever hold ur snake in the dark? and is it ok to do that? i heard it might be ok for my mbk because hes nocturnal

You worry too much man.
Feed it, give it water,keep it at the correct temp and humidity ranges, don't bug it after it eats. That' sit. It's a kingsnake. Relax :).
You're definitely detail oriented enough to jump up to something non beginner if you want to. You could handle something like a YouTube - Hog Island Dwarf Boa (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JrjlfKauS8) Hogg island boa. Looks like a Boa Constrictor, stays small. Usually six feet at the very most.

Don't ever keep a constrictor over 8 feet unless you have it in another room under lock and you have another strong individual to help you handle it. A 14 foot burmese python only needs to 'really want to hold on to your neck' for grip for you to be very much in trouble if you're alone.

[Shmoges]

Unless they are stressed, or have to poop, or just ate, handle away!!

[sickvenom]

do you guys ever hold ur snake in the dark? and is it ok to do that? i heard it might be ok for my mbk because hes nocturnal

just don't say 'bloody mary' 7 times.

[TeaNinja]

i always have lights on when i handle my snakes. what if you tripped on something! lol xD

[shaunyboy]

unless 100% neccessary i don't go into my carpet viv's after early evening as they are all in hunting mode.the minute the sun starts to go down they tend to bite first work out if your food later:yes:

i only handle my carpets when completely neccessary like cleaning out health checks shedding checks etc i also give them 3 days after meals to make sure digestion is complete

cheers shaun

[jhiggy69]

im guessing mistersprinkles doesnt have any large snakes.......or he does but never handles them