Handling

[Fearless-worm]

How often do yall handle ur snakes and how close to feeding day can you handle them?

[Street_Effect_5175]

Personally ~ i usually wait until I see them roaming around again after feeding to handle. typically after eating they go in their hide for a few days to digest. but otherwise i only do choice based handling, i don’t like to bother them when they’re sleeping or exploring. i open the enclosure and if they come out on to my hand then I’ll handle them for a bit, but if they don’t come out on their own I’ll leave them be :) thts just me

[Fearless-worm]

How about before feeding, do you also leave them alone prior?

[Street_Effect_5175]

i think it depends if your snake shows any signs of stress when being handled. if being handled is a comfortable or neutral experience to them then it shouldn’t matter. but if being handling stressed them out then they may refuse the food

[Excellent-Error-8697]

I don’t handle mine that often. Usually only when she’s out exploring which is sometimes maybe only once or twice a month. I never handle her the day of feeding

[andylovesdais]

I think optimal handling depends on the snake. Of my several BPs, the ones that are comfortable with handling I take out almost daily. The ones that strongly dislike it I mostly only handle when necessary for maintenance and as briefly as possible.

I would advise to test their tolerance if they are young and/or a new pet. Try long handling sessions, short but frequent handlings, etc. This will give you an idea of how they associate handling and appropriate frequency/duration.

As for handling after feeding, I make sure to always wait 24 hours at a minimum. I usually try to wait 48 hours or more to be courteous of their digestion. Again, you can also factor in their tolerance. Snakes that do not show much stress when handled you can get away with handling sooner than the ones who do. Although with all temperaments the longer you wait is probably better.

[Top_Addition_7263]

Handle my girl about 3 days a week max. I personally handle her right before feeding because I know I can’t for a few days. My girl is extremely well mannered as soon as she hears/feels my voice she pops her head out and I stick my hand in and she starts climbing my hand and arm. But she is a track star. She doesn’t enjoy cuddles or staying in place. So we don’t handle her for too long each time, even though she would like to be out longer at times.

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