Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

I have had a Ball Python for seven years. She is very healthy, eats well, and sheds well. I take her outside a lot on hot summer days where she drapes over my neck as I walk around. She seems quite comfortable while I am holding her and seems to enjoy the attention.

I'm just wondering what the lowest temperature is that she can be exposed to without any risks. I usually only take her out on really hot days, but I am wondering if I can take her out on days that AREN'T scorching, but not cold...warm

Thanks for your help!

I take her outside a lot on hot summer days where she drapes over my neck as I walk around. She seems quite comfortable while I am holding her and seems to enjoy the attention.

I think if you were honest with yourself, you would find that she isn't the one that is enjoying all the attention.
As for the hot summer days comment, where I live, being in the sun on a hot summer day could quickly kill a BP. I assume you live somewhere further north.

I'm just wondering what the lowest temperature is that she can be exposed to without any risks.

Generally, I try to ensure that my BPs never get exposed to temps below 72°. Temps below that can lead to physiological stress which makes them susceptible to respiratory infections.

Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to take your snake outside draped around your neck. It may provide good messages to some, but it conveys bad messages to others.
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Chris Harrison

How is it a bad thing that I am taking her outside? I don't take her around people...I just go for walks with her, around my neighbourhood. I am rarely ever stopped by people...plus, I surely don't enjoy attention...I'm pretty anti-social.

She doesn't display any signs of stress when she is outside.

And yes, I live in Canada...Hot days here are probably warm days where you live.

Sometimes, taking a snake for a walk through the neighborhood is enough. It doesn't matter if people stop you or not. Some people could see it as a really bad thing. As Chris said, some people might get something good out of it. Others definitely would not. IMO, taking snakes into public is generally not a good thing.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: thekingofproduct
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

"A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika. Nothin' proper about ya propaganda. Fools follow rules when the set commands ya. Said it was blue when ya blood was red. That's how ya got a bullet blasted through ya head"- Rage Against the Machine

Why would it be a negative thing? I have never had any negative remarks...people have even brought their kids over to see her. I find that it helps destroy the "evil snake" stereotype. No one has ever been so afraid of her to the point of running away or screaming.

Well, I suppose it is a matter of time. I have worked booths at different expositions (home and garden show, hunting expos, etc.) and I have seen plenty of people that scream, run away, and have even threatened that the police would be called due to the risk of the snakes. All I am saying is you need to be a bit more careful because even if you havn't met with a person that has a phobia of snakes yet, I am sure you will. And for them, the experience could be traumatizing. I am all for education, but it needs to be on the terms of the people being educated and not your own.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: thekingofproduct
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

"A yellow ribbon instead of a swastika. Nothin' proper about ya propaganda. Fools follow rules when the set commands ya. Said it was blue when ya blood was red. That's how ya got a bullet blasted through ya head"- Rage Against the Machine

And it could easily take one freaked out person to start an uproar about it - possibly to the point of trying to start some type of ban on reptiles. With all the states trying to ban reptiles, we are just becoming more cautious about how/where we display them - so as to not make things worse. I keep my reptiles either in my house or in my yard. Even when I have them outside I try not to make a big fuss so that others notice. There are some neighbors who know I have them, but I'm careful about who knows.
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I personally take my large ball python and my large red-tail boa out with me. Car shows, fairs, flea markets, etc. I carry a sterilite container with a battery-operated heating pad and stay within the snakes normal temperature ranges. But to me the most gratifying part is educating people to overcome their irrational fears of snakes. I had a woman at a fair (where i was helping a local dealer) knock over a table to get away from our display. By the end of the day I had her petting my large ball and she came over and looked at the juveniles on display. Irrational fears can only be overcome by education and exposure. Some people may never overcome them but I think if one or two people gain an interest because my snake went public then its worth it. (oh yes, and none of the snakes i take out have ever bitten anyone which i think is the main cause of people's usual fear.) so if you don't feel its righ to take a snake out in public don't but please don't bash us that do it because the next person you talk with about your snakes might be at that herp show or on that chat room because someone like me interested them in a snake.

` I take my snakes outside often. I usually stay in my yard, or travel to a planned presentation. For smaller snakes, your neck is a great heater. Years ago, during a very cold winter, I had to sleep with two large Burmese Pythons, during a power outage. It was very cold in that house, and the Burms never left their heater, me.
` I put up a "snake tree" in my backyard, for privacy. The neighbors found about it, and they bring their kids, and grandkids to see and interact with my Anacondas. They all want pix with the snakes, and I could probably charge admission. The local pet stores request that I bring in my snakes on weekends. They sell a lot of snakes, for them.
` You've got to be practical and intelligent about showing your snakes. Some folks have awful phobias, and can actually be injured by being exposed to snakes. Be smart about it, and don't use them just to get attention, or show off. When you have a receptive audience, that is aware of what's going to happen, have fun with them.
` Whenever I have my tropical snakes away from their regular heat source, I have a non-contact IR thermometer with me. That way, I can constantly monitor their body temperature.
`

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Its really a shame that people can walk their dogs but we cant bring our reptiles outside. I say go for it, but if someone seems uncomfortable, steer clear.

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How big is your snake tree? It's awesome! Your tree looks large, yet am I correct that there is a ball python going down the trunk? If so, either the tree is smaller than my perception of it, or that is one BIG ball python !(lol)
Either way, great jungle gym for the legless ones!
althea