How often do you handle your snakes?

[Dehlida]

Snakes are solitary predators. They gain absolutely nothing from human interaction- unless you keep them too cold, in which case they get body heat and warmth.

Handling a snake is stressful, unnatural, and unneeded. The snake will be more natural and live better without handling. The only reason people handle is for THEM, because they can't appreciate the animal for what it is, and leave it well enough alone, they just HAVEEE to touch it.

[marionsclan]

Originally Posted by Dehlida

Snakes are solitary predators. They gain absolutely nothing from human interaction- unless you keep them too cold, in which case they get body heat and warmth.

Handling a snake is stressful, unnatural, and unneeded. The snake will be more natural and live better without handling. The only reason people handle is for THEM, because they can't appreciate the animal for what it is, and leave it well enough alone, they just HAVEEE to touch it.

Anyone who does not want to handle a wild animal and appreciate it for what it is should leave it where it will be comfortable and happy; in its original habitat instead of supporting breeding and in-breeding in order to own one.

Do I appreciate them? Yes, but I also believe that I can make them comfortable and happy by interacting with them. And until it is 100% proven, through studies and research data and not personal opinions, that handling them actually causes damage and a life reduction then I will continue to interact with my snake several times a week to establish and maintain a level of comfort and safety for both of us.

[SkYyaMe1623]

Originally Posted by marionsclan

until it is 100% proven, through studies and research data and not personal opinions, that handling them actually causes damage and a life reduction then I will continue to interact with my snake several times a week to establish and maintain a level of comfort and safety for both of us.

Well said. In my honest opinion given the fact that you'll need to enter the enclosure to maintain proper husbandry, handling the snake once in a while for a short period and placing it back in its enclosure where it feels comfortable will probably only reenforce the fact that you're not trying to eat the snake, even if you were to get your hands on it. Reinforcing this should build comfort between you and the snake, and make it less stressful for all the times you poke your hands into the enclosure for minor adjustments.