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How often should I handle my snake?
I have a ball python that I inherited from a buddy since he was moving. When I first got him I would handle him all the time, probably half an hour or more every 2-3 days. Actually, lets change "him" to Legs, his name. Anyways, as of the last month or two I havent been handling him as much because the last few times I did, Legs seems to wander around and find hiding spots. Five minutes he is around your neck, and soon as ya know it, hes gone, sneaky! Naturally once I realize he is missing I look everywhere, its terrible!
So back to it, the last month or two I havent taken him out nearly as much for fear of losing him. One time he found a loose coax outlet and went inside the wall! Yeah! I cut half of the wall (carefully) as my daughter had a flashlight on Legs as to not harm or startle him while I cut the drywall.
So a few main questions;
How often should I handle him, on average? I hate the idea that Legs is stuck in a prison for life...
When I do handle him he always wants to wander and explore, which is fine but once he finds a spot, he turns into a ball and just relaxes. Suppose that means he might be tired or playtime is over?
What can I do in terms of safe exercise? I am considering buying a pack n play, and shoving a heated blanket on the bottom, then another blanket above that, and a bunch of stuffed animals so he can traverse and be comfortable. Naturally the blanket will be set to LOW!!!
I love Legs, I want him to have a great life, suggestions?
Oh also, in terms of his cage, he has a few hidey spots and a heat lamp. I got a large rectangle shallow dish to serve as a mini pool, but he never uses it. Read they like hiding in plants, so recently I shoved some soil in it and "cat grass" seeds. Figured since it grows fast and tall, it would help with shedding and "massaging" his body or even shedding and of course another potential hiding spot.
Good or bad idea?
I’m not sure who to award favorite answer as they all have different opinions. Ball pythons are docile so it don’t matter, snake poo is hard to clean, and take it em out as often as possible. So, yeah unsure? I’d say all the responses were informative but I’ll go with the cleaning snake poop is hard answer because that fact I did not know, although I am aware of the 24:48h after feeding rule.
Still, no advice on entertainment/exercise for my snake...
3 Answers
- ?Lv 43 months agoFavorite Answer
As often as possible. I've been a snake mom and learned that they love to be held, they CAN become spoiled. You probably learned by now, DO NOT handle him 2 days after he has eaten. Snake **** is IMPOSSIBLE to get off of clothes or furniture. It's like tar. snakes are the cleanest pets I've ever had.
- Anonymous3 months ago
I have to many snakes i hold each for an hour once a week.(they do get cold) i have a broken heat pad that was for me but yeah now it doesn't really work it gives off a little heat i will let them have the option of going into my pocket where I put the heat pad. Lately they have just been going into my pocket since its winter and its a little more chilly. Lol
I feed them in a specific order so i don't have to worry about when i can't hold them. It's always so sad when there shedding and i can't take them out.
- Anonymous3 months ago
You do not have to handle the snake. It is true that snakes that have not been handled for a while may become skittish when handled. But that is nothing to worry about. Ball pythons are docile by nature, so it won't start biting when you handle it just because it has not been handled for a while.
