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[JandC_Reptiles]

I handle my animals as minimal as possible. All of approx 15 seconds a week to transfer them to a plastic tub while I clean their enclosure or a bit longer if medicating or probing etc. I used to still handle my animals on the odd occasion while showing friends/family etc. but I stopped this practise a few years ago due to an increase in thefts & deseases. I think excessive handling leads to stress and I try to avoid this if possible.

I find that a new keeper will handle them alot but over the up-coming years the satisfaction of handling just dosn't thrill them any more (especially if your collection increases to large numbers in that time), you end up caring more for there well being rather than un-necessary handling them imo. I know when I first got into Herps I was handling very often almost daily, I loved showing everyone my strange creatures it was a thrill. Then I only started handling them on odd occassions for self satisfaction & showing other people, it wasn't the same as when I first got my 1st snake. But now I am content to leave them in isolation and only remove them for medical reasons, cleaning enclosures, probing or introducing to partners for breeding.