Ball Python Handling

[Slitherhiss]

I just fed my ball python a small rat. I've heard that you shouldn't handle them after they eat. But the rat peed on him and he smells. Is it okay to rinse him off in warm water or should I wait 24-48 hours? :confused:

[alessia55]

Personally I'd wait. In the wild snakes don't bathe themselves just because they smell. Or you could reach in and use a paper towel or something to absorb it. But I wouldn't take him out and soak him or anything like that.

[MoreliAddict]

I just fed my ball python a small rat. I've heard that you shouldn't handle them after they eat. But the rat peed on him and he smells. Is it okay to rinse him off in warm water or should I wait 24-48 hours? :confused:
Wait 48 hours and try to keep it brief.

[SnakeyJay]

Why would you be feeding a royal live rats? I'd get him on f/t rats for his own well being.

[shaunyboy]

I just fed my ball python a small rat. I've heard that you shouldn't handle them after they eat. But the rat peed on him and he smells. Is it okay to rinse him off in warm water or should I wait 24-48 hours? :confused:

hello and welcome to the forum

it will do the snake no harm to have some rat pee on it mate

i would wait 48 to 72 hours before bathing the snake,or at least until the feeding bulge has gone

re bathing
use tepid water like you would a new born baby,if you have a lazer temperature gun,check the body temperature of the snake,then make the bath water the exact same temperature

cheers shaun

[homocapra]

Why would you be feeding a royal live rats? I'd get him on f/t rats for his own well being.

Yes, I would switch to frozen thawed rats. It's safer for the snake, less stressful to both animals and you won't have to worry about this "pee" problem.

[Slitherhiss]

He doesn't eat frozen/thawed I've tried for years. He is 16 years old now and has never had a problem with the rats. Just was wondering about the handling time inquiry because I've heard mixed opinions.

[jaleely]

I wouldn't disturb him too much after feeding, in case he gets upset and regurgitates. Wait a few hours, and wipe off with a wet paper towel. I don't think anything should have to sit in pee. For all we know a wild snake *would* go rinse itself off *lol*
I know they can get bacteria infections from sitting in their own pee...i'd just wipe it off. They're usually pretty tough though either way.

[Fredricks]

What everyone else said especially the frozen thaw. Trust me that one time he gets hurt you will wish he didn't. Try scenting, it works amazingly

[exwizard]

Ok, I dont want to get into another live vs f/t debate but there is more than one way to keep snakes. Before I continue, yes the only way to be 100% sure of no fighting back is to prekill the rat or have a stock of f/t in the freezer. That having been said, some snakes prefer live no matter what you do. Now, Slitherhiss is a new member and I think a little benefit of a doubt is called for here. I, myself do feed live but I have never tried to convert people over from feeding f/t. We even have customers we kill and freeze rodents for. I understand your concern and we all know that risk is there but at the same time, there may be underlying reasons why a particular snake is fed live rodents. Mine, is the convenience of being able to dip into my stock at any time and just the fact that all my snakes prefer it. Slitherhiss may have other reasons. Bottom line is that all we can do is advise. That decision belongs to the individual who owns the particular snake.

Now about the answer to the question...

I would leave the snake alone for 48 hours minimum after feeding to prevent regurge.

[hellosugaree]

If you can get to the snake without moving it, you can dab it with a paper towel, but otherwise just leave him alone. Rat pee isn't going to kill your snake. Rodents urinate and defecate when they are stressed out... it's bound to happen. They can eat the rat with the pee inside it, so I wouldn't imagine a little pee on the skin is going to be a problem :) Ever tried giving a mouse an IP injection? They always crap or pee on you.

[Fredricks]

It's definitely not a pleasant smell that's for sure haha

[Fredricks]

Yeah Slither don't let the live/ft thing turn you off, if you've had your BP for 16 years you must be doing something right :p

Any pics?

[shaunyboy]

He doesn't eat frozen/thawed I've tried for years. He is 16 years old now and has never had a problem with the rats. Just was wondering about the handling time inquiry because I've heard mixed opinions.

some snakes just won't take frozen thawed,i wouldn't worry about feeding live mate

as said your snakes 16 year old so you know what your doing;)

cheers shaun

[Slitherhiss]

Thanks shaunyboy! Sorry about the no pictures. I've been using my iPhone so I can't upload pictures until I use my computer. Scotland is nice I've been to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Slainte! :)

[Slitherhiss]

Thank you exwizard well said! :)

[exwizard]

Thank you exwizard well said! :)

Anytime. :) Anything else you need, feel free to ask.

[Bite_Me]

I'd wait, it may interrupt his/her digestion