Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering how much everyone handles thier anacondas. I get mine out to clean the cage and periodically but not on any regular basis. Just wondering what everyone else is doing.

` I think it should depend on your Anaconda's reaction to handling. If the snake is more than 2 years old, not receptive to handling, and set in its ways, stress from handling can injure the snake.
` My Anacondas seem to take handling in stride. I've tried handling them extensively just before feeding, and they still eat.
` Mine usually go for about an hour then, if in the same room as their habitat, they start trying to get back home. I can prevent them for a while, but a large, determined constrictor, usually has its way.
` I try to handle mine several times a week. I try not to handle them for the first few days after feeding, to prevent injuring their gut. If I must, I make sure that they are well supported, and the room is very warm!
` At this time, the males are interesting to handle. One female is waving her tail, trying to attract them. They don't have access to her this year, so they are a little bit nuts. They end up making their way to her habitat, and stand up like cobras, staring at her and licking the glass. Handling the males after handling the female means you get some VERY affectionate treatment from them!
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Both of mine are pretty good about handeling. My female bit me one time after i held our prairie dog and i think i smelled like it. I have had it for 3 years and that is the only time it ever struck. The male comes at you like it wants to bite but it is just checking you out. I have only had him about five months and he is nine to ten feet long. I am still getting use to how he reacts.

I have a 50" young green. I try to handle it just about every day, except after a big feeding. It's easy since it is non-aggresive; I just sit and watch TV with it, or if it's warm outside, take it out for some sun. I usually have it out for about an hour or an hour and a half. I do this expressly to maintain its good behavior, I think a truly "tame" big anaconda (10 feet) will be a real joy.

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I have a 4 year old yellow, that is about 8.5 feet, she has been handled regularly since the start and is docile as can be. I always give her at least 48 hours after feeding before i handle her, but try to get her out at least once a week. She has only struck at me once a few years ago when I did scare her trying to take her out.

I dont parade her around her around in a careless manner, but it is nice to be able to show her and her manners off, as well as change the reputation that non herp people seem to think of anacondas.

` They really should be called Water Boas. I'll be damned if I can figure out how a word from one of the dialects of India, meaning "Elephant Killer", got hooked up to these misunderstood critters!!!

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