How often to handle ?

[Josh Stokes]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site, and new to keeping snakes. I have found the site to be very informative, and i'm sure I'll fit right in.
I recently purchased a small ( 600mm) coastal carpet python ( morelia Spilota), I did a fair bit of research before I got it, and it has settled in well eating weaner rats once a week, I hope they aren't to big , but it won't eat fuzzy's,

I have also purchased 2 adult childrens pythons ( Antaresia childreni ) male and female and an adult stimson's python ( Antaresia stimsoni ) not sure of the sex of it yet.

Anyway I was wondering if too much handling is bad for them or doesn't it matter? I only ask because I'm like a kid with a new toy and am having trouble leaving them alone, apart from today as they all ate last night.

So any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Josh

[SlothHead]

Define 'too much'

How much are you handling them?

[Josh Stokes]

Hi Kali,

Well it is after work mainly during the week, but between myself and the kids, they could be out of there vivariums for an hour or so getting passed around, and taking them outside for some natural sunlight, weekends it is morning and afternoon.

[JandC_Reptiles]

Imo they don't like to be held, they tolerate it but do not enjoy it.
Excessive handling leads to stress that may lead to medical issues.

But how much is too much?
I don't know, for my animals any un-necessary handling = too much. JMO

[Josh Stokes]

After work is 5 pm est too

[Mayo]

once they get bigger it would be less of a problem but could be to much at a young age

[Josh Stokes]

So I should leave the handling to a minimum , and just enjoy observing them ( like my tarantulas) that will be hard but doable

[SlothHead]

Yeah I have to agree,

Snakes arent domesticated animals like cats or dogs, ergo, unneeded handling is not advised.

I am sure everyone has their own ideas etc, but i would probably handle mine on a couple of occasions.

Getting them out to clean enclosure,
Feeding time
and then maybe for 10mins every 5 days or week or so.

[Josh Stokes]

Thanks for the advice people I appreciate it.

[Mayo]

My coastals are a few years old now and we have them out all the time, but because of there size they don't seem to mind

[coatesy]

I handle our snakes about twice a week, my partner handles them more (but he's not here at the moment). Our larger olive seems to like being near us. She will actually come toward us sitting on the couch. It may very well sepend on the snake and how used to it they are but i am till weary who knows when they are having a bad day!