Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm pretty new to snakes and I have a question about handling them. I am going to get a ball python and I realize that you shouldn't handle them for a few days after they've eaten, but is there a way to tell when the snake will defecate? Is is usually a few days after the snake eats, and is it usually once after feeding until the next feeding takes place? What about urination?

I was just thinking about this and wondered if it has ever been an issue for someone.

Thanks,
TJ

They will deficate without warning! It varies from snake to snake. Too much handling with an uneasy ball python is asking for it too. Always be slow and gentle, and keep handling to a minimum (15-20 mins per session). Remember, too much handling can cause a snake to stress and go off food, thats the last thing you want. Also, if you just got him, give him some time alone (maybe about 2-3 weeks), no handling etc. Just make sure his water is full. Good luck!

All my snakes seem to defecate on schedule (so many days after eating). You can also usually see a bulge above the vent indicating this. Once I learned their schedules I wait till they've defecated before I pick them up, but mine go between meals and that's not true with all snakes. Some go meals w/o going. I've only been defecated on once and I knew he had to go because he was bulging and hadn't gone yet. Don't worry about it - worry more about correct husbandry (temps, humidity, hides, etc) and don't handle at least 48 hours after eating, while in shed and give it alone time for at least 1 week after bringing home.
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