Handling your Ball Pythons...

[Hamadryad]

Hey all you Ball Python keepers!!
I was wondering just how much you guys and gals interact with your BPs - I have read several books on these snakes and they seem to differ in opinion as to how much handling if any is a good idea.The general idea I get from my reading is that you CAN overhandle a Ball Python and stress it out.I myself like handling my Ball Pythons and I enjoy spending a few minutes a day with them just letting them slither around on my bed or just checking them out to make sure they are remaining healthy and what not....I check there venter and mouth and general overall appearance.Trinity, my big female seems to be a very outgoing snake and never shows any signs of shyness or stress.Cypher, however will sometimes ball up or seem a bit nervous when handled but he seems to loosen up after a few moments and gets into it.

So what do you all think? is Cypher stressing? he has ceased to feed at this time as well but was feeding steadily all spring and summer long.Should I work with him more to overcome his shyness?

The Evil Spider Hunter

 

[Phillip]

As long as the snake is eating regularily regardless of species then handling is not a problem. While none of them really care for it the only problem that will come of over handling is a stressed snake that goes off feed or regurges after being fed. If these symptoms don't start to happen with yours then don't worry about it and handle all you want. If either does occur simply back off and leave the snake alone until it is back on a regular schedule.

Phil

 

[Hamadryad]

Originally posted by Phillip
As long as the snake is eating regularily regardless of species then handling is not a problem. While none of them really care for it the only problem that will come of over handling is a stressed snake that goes off feed or regurges after being fed. If these symptoms don't start to happen with yours then don't worry about it and handle all you want. If either does occur simply back off and leave the snake alone until it is back on a regular schedule.

Phil

Thanks Phil......

The Evil Spider Hunter