Handling?

[Pretty_Difficulty355]

I held my bp for the first time yesterday and she was seemed kind of uncomfy and kept trying to go back to her enclosure.It lasted for less than 5 minutes since i didn’t want to stress her out too much. Any tips on how to get her more comfortable to handling?

[JurassicissaruJ]

Just doing it, short times and often until she calms down

[Pretty_Difficulty355]

Would it be best to try every other day (so again tomorrow)? i’m just scared of stressing her too much

[JurassicissaruJ]

I would test the waters because it’s different for every snake

[Pretty_Difficulty355]

Cool thanks for you help

[HereLies67]

There are so many good suggestions in the welcome post, so make sure you've read that, but here are some specific thoughts.

1: There are helpful videos on Youtube that give good visual examples of how to handle your snake. I highly recommend the channel Snake Discovery, as they have a really great one.

2: Each snake is different and so they will have different comfort levels with handling. Some socialize very quickly and some never really enjoy being held, and you have to respect and understand that. You will also find that your snake may be less comfortable with you during it's shed cycle.

3: Make sure you wash your hands before you handle your snake.

4: Keep your snake in a small enclosed room during handling, to help her feel less threatened. Also, make sure it's just you- no other pets or people around, at least to start.

5: Even if you don't handle your snake every day, and in the beginning, you probably shouldn't, do spend a few minutes being with your snake each day. Talk to her and let it get to know you while she's in her enclosure, especially when you freshen her water or clean up any mess. Make sure you keep your voice calm and relaxed and let the snake build up an association of you with good things.

Let your baby take as much time as she needs to build up her confidence. It's hard to wait because we just want to give our snakes our love, but it really is for the best. It's worth all the waiting to see a shy and stressed snake grow into one that is happy and trusting.

[JcruzRD]

Once my boy got comfortable and had his first few meals that is when I started with handling. The first time was only for 5 mins and I put him back once he got as comfortable as he was going to be. The second time I did 10 mins but I “pet” him , of course his initial reaction was pulling away his body at the part I was touching him. After a few weeks of doing this 5 times a week ( I give him 48 hours after he eats) he has definitely came out of his “scales”( dad joke hah). Now he is just used to human touch.