I've started this post a couple of times and each time decide It’s become too “wordy” so…



Does anyone other than myself handle their milk snakes on a regular basis, treat them as pets and not just as a breeding project?



From the day I get my snakes I handle them every three to four days, handle them before feeding, handle them after feeding if the aren’t being skittish but even then I’ll handle them for a little bit until over a few months time they are accustomed to it.



I understand snakes aren’t generally viewed as pets… they’re never going to roll over for you, fetch the paper, be a companion on hikes etc… the upside to frequent handling, for me anyway, is being able to take photos like the first five in this post within 5 minutes of one another this past Friday evening… and they were taken within 5 minutes. Or, as seen in the last two taken yesterday morning, having the snakes eat while still in hand or with a flash going off in their face.



Delilah a few hours before shedding as it turned out





The male polyzona Gomez just cruising about





Ed just hanging out even when he should feel the most vulnerable





The female abnorma Trinity "hiding" under her favorite plant





Jade... what can you say, she just likes posing for the camera





The female poly Morticia, like the other adults and sub adults, doesn't care if I'm holding her while she eats





Trinity again, taking a flash in stride





So... does anyone else spend a little time interacting with their milks... getting them accustomed to you... or am I simply the odd man (sorry ladies, odd person)out?



Gerry

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