Handling BP's

[Rolly]

Is it bad to handle youth ball pythons everyday? Or is it ok?

[The Snake Guru]

Handling can be a subject of some debate.

One one side there are those who believe handling snakes should be kept to minimum, and only done when nessicary (cleaning, moving, ect.) The premise behind it is they aren't really a handable type "pet". Handling causes some stress to the animal.

Others would say handling everyday gets them used to it, and therefore decreases the amount of stress put on the animal.

I am one of those in between guys, I handle mine when needed or for routine inspections, or some just to get them out and excercising. I think a certain amount of handling is a good thing because they seem to get more used to the idea, which I think is a good thing. Of course I gauge my snakes as well...I have some species that are very shy and reclusive and these only get handled when absolutely nessicary, other species take handling better though, and those are generally the ones I have out more often.

I'm hesitant to answer this in a yes or no fashion since if they are doing well for you, eating, shedding, ect. Is it bothering them? Well perhaps but not enough to cause any issues for them apparently.

~B~

[Rolly]

They are eating, shedding great. my youghest has not ate this week , she is about to shed. So I blame that.

[TailsW/Scales]

I agree with Brad in that this isn't a simple yes or no question.

What it really boils down to is what is best for the individual animal. Some BP's seem to accept everyday handling very well while others it really stresses them out. The best bet is to start slow and work your way up to everyday handling. First signs of stress, stop. It's that simple.

I guess there's no real right or wrong.

[The Snake Guru]

Originally Posted by Rolly

They are eating, shedding great. my youghest has not ate this week , she is about to shed. So I blame that.

Well sounds like they are doing just fine then! Yeah I don't mess with any of the snakes while they are in shed mode....most don't seem to want to eat then either.
At anyrate you are probably the better judge of how much handling your snakes can take....since no one else here is there to see how they react. But sounds to me like they are doing just fine!

~B~

[DOMI]

Originally Posted by The Snake Guru

Well sounds like they are doing just fine then! Yeah I don't mess with any of the snakes while they are in shed mode....most don't seem to want to eat then either.
!

~B~

once My burm just finnished eating a rabbit and started rubbing his face, I thought he was putting his jaws back as he always does, next thing he's shedding his skin, supprised me as there was no blue eyes or any signs of shedding, If there was I wouldn't have fed him, anyone else had this?

[snakelady13]

I agree with the others. It really depends on a couple of things. One is the type of snake. and two is the individual snakes personality. I have a ball that loves to be handled and I have another one that hates it and wants to be left alone. I personally would not handle any snake more than a couple or three times a week no matter what. Just take it slow and you'll be able to tell how well they like it.

[The Snake Guru]

LOL, yeah if you don't catch it they go completely clear about a day or 2 before they shed....you almost wouldn't be able to tell except thier skin looks dry. LOL

~B~