Handling baby ball python.

chaosrider · 12-16-12, 01:57 PM

I handle my baby ball every day several times a day for 20 mins. How much is good?

Terranaut · 12-16-12, 03:19 PM

Thats a bit much. We handled ours for about 10min a day. One session only. He is nice and calm and has no handling or enclosure removal issues at all. But if all other behavior from your snake is normal I see no reason why to change what you are doing. Each snake has a different level of tolerating handling. I think thats to much but in reality your snake is the judge of that. Its normaly good exercise so its one of those double edge sword deals. If you see a change in behavior like no eating or defensiveness then slow it down.

StudentoReptile · 12-16-12, 05:56 PM

Several times a day is too much, especially for a baby ball python. Just a recipe for a stressed out snake with feeding issues.

I handle mine about every 3-4 months, and he's still docile.

Lankyrob · 12-16-12, 06:25 PM

Mine gets handled once every few months, every day is too much imo.

How long have you had it? how old is it? Is it eating well?

UwabamiReptiles · 12-16-12, 09:37 PM

I don't handle my bps unless I'm cleaning out their tubs. So that ends up being once every week or two. Baby snakes just stress out a lot easier when they are smaller. I also think handling multiple times a day is too much. My advice would be to cut down a bit.

Gungirl · 12-17-12, 04:15 PM

I take my Royals out once a week on average. That is when I look them over and check their viv for poo.. Other wise I don't handle them. They are both very calm... I think handling every day is to much. I would back down to 2-3 days a week and remember to leave them be for 72hrs after feeding.

alessia55 · 12-18-12, 07:30 PM

Mine get taken out once a week for cleaning the cage, etc. Or for a little longer once in a blue moon to get nice photos of them. I don't do daily handling though. "20mins several times a day" seems like too much to me. Is he eating well for you?

Philmul · 12-18-12, 08:15 PM

Wow you are keen. I handle mine probably every other day or every 2-3 days but used to handle once every day and my bp's were fine with eating, etc

DeesBalls · 12-21-12, 08:07 PM

i have a few snakes that i will at least get out once every few days, being boas though... my BP's i get 1 out when ever i can or i am bored. so probably 1-2 times a week for about 10-15 min. but the other ones, i only handle to take out and clean tubs...

**Pareeeee** · 12-24-12, 09:41 AM

I handle Kahless pretty much ONCE every to every-other day, I've seen no adverse effects from it. Length of time depends on him, if he curls up in my lap or uses my housecoat pocket as a hide I will leave him there longer, but if he's really "not in the mood" for it, like constantly trying to get away from me or acting jittery, I take the hint and just put him back.

I'd say handling several times a day is excessive, that can stress a snake out. Stress = lower immune system, lack of appetite, etc.

***Don't handle for 2 days after feeding, during shed, or if they stop eating for any reason (sometimes can be sign of stress, or can mean breeding season/brumation is coming on)