Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, here is a debate that i wish to start. Is a ball python a good snake to handle,i heard that they are and then they arent. Whats the deal, lets here your thoughts?

Balls are among the easiest snakes to handle due to their naturally un-aggressive dispositions. Unless you smell like a rodent or it is a fresh import, you should have no problems handling a ball python.
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A twisted mind is a terrible thing to waste.......so is BEEF JERKY!!!!!

I hold my ball for about 20 mins every day. But i leave him for 3 days after he's eaten. There fine to hold and sometimes i let him on the lawn.

Because of their nervous nature. Some say that BP's will be too stressed to eat if handled often. I have never personally had this problem but I have heard of it. I think it is highly subjective.

Thats exactly what i meant, i heard that they become easily stressed and refuse to eat when handled often? How long do you guys handle your ball pythons per week?
Thanks
Steve

I handle my ball usually once every 2 days and he has always been a great eater. I agree that when trying to get a ball started, handling often will lead to stress and not eating, but once established, they are very easily and un-stressfully handled.
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A twisted mind is a terrible thing to waste.......so is BEEF JERKY!!!!!

I handle mine once a day except the day of and day after feeding. I haven't had any problems myself with this routine and my ball is still relatively calm and eating well. Of course, balls can be individually different like any animal. Mine is captive bred so I've had an easier time with mine.

I don't think any snake enjoys being handled, but some will tolerate it better then others. Handling is more for our enjoyment then the benefit of the snake, personally I find handling snakes to be a great stress reliever. Of my ball pythons, I have four that tolerate handling well and one that does not (he's a biter too). Even though I never handle him except when necessary, he is still my poorest feeder. The others will eat anything I put in front of them (usually) I think he is just naturally high strung. Basically I think that it all boils down to getting to know the individual personalities of your pets.

VOT

but I wear gloves.

I handle my ball pythons every day, and they are great eaters!! Should be no problem

I handle mine everyday, Obviously not for 48 houres after feeding, but I think this "debate" is no more!
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