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Handling your snakes

How often do you hold your snakes

  • adults: once a day

    Votes: 4 10.8%
  • adults: 2-4 times a week

    Votes: 19 51.4%
  • adult: once a month

    Votes: 2 5.4%
  • adults: only to check on their health

    Votes: 3 8.1%
  • babies: once a day

    Votes: 5 13.5%
  • babies: 2-4 times a week

    Votes: 16 43.2%
  • babies once a month

    Votes: 1 2.7%
  • babies only to check on their health

    Votes: 4 10.8%
  • breeders: once a day

    Votes: 2 5.4%
  • breeders: 2-4 times a week

    Votes: 5 13.5%
  • breeders once a month

    Votes: 1 2.7%
  • breeders: only to check on their health

    Votes: 4 10.8%
  • dosen't matter what age never hold them only look at their bodies

    Votes: 1 2.7%
  • Don't know when ever I feel like it

    Votes: 8 21.6%

  • Total voters
    37

akaangela

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I was talking to someone the other day and asked how often he handled his snakes. He said he mostly didn't and that surprised me. SO I thought I would ask you all. How often do you handle your snakes. I handle my adults about 3 times a week right now (as they are breeding and I don't want to disturb them very much). My babies are handled 2 times a week, sometimes more but they eat more often and I don't want to handle them on a full meal. lol I admit I have one baby that I handle every other day (I will put my hand in her tub and she crawls on my hand).


Drum roll how often do you handle your snakes, dose it matter if they are babies, breeders vs "just" adults?
 
Hmmm.....there's so many different ways to answer this one for me, lol.

I try to handle all of my snakes regularly. Babies do get handled more than most of the adults, I like to try to make sure they are used to being handled and worked with often, both for my sake as they get older if I'm keeping them, or for the new owner's sake, to try to ensure they are going to get a docile and not so freaky new pet, lol. My kids like to handle the babies a lot too, so they do get plenty of attention.

I have to admit, when it comes to the adults, I definitely have favorites that get handled more than others. A couple of them are handled nearly daily, but almost all are held at least weekly. I do have a couple of um.....rather "cranky" girls that are only held when I have to, but these are animals I received as adults. Again, the kids have a couple of favorites in the adults as well, and will take them out (with permission) quite often. As you mentioned though, I am handling all of them less now during breeding season, I guess I don't want to "spoil the mood". ;)

I think animals that are handled on a regular basis are easier to deal with, for the most part. That way, if a NEED arises to handle them, they aren't freaking out because they aren't used to it....that and I just enjoy it.
 
Well about once a week wasn't up there so I didn't vote. I pretty much handle them to clean cages etc. I hardly ever handle them just to pick them up for a while. With my big boas I may go a month. I'll clean one side of the cage and get them to go to that side to clean the other.
 
Every time I clean their enclosures. That gives me an opportunity to check them thoroughly. If there's anyone acting weird (like refusing food more than usual) I would also check her out. Pick them up for other purposes? Every now and then for a general inspection, body condition and weight, and just to admire their beauty. On the average probably once a month for any given snake.
 
I have a large collection and rarely handle my snakes. I only handle them for the purposes of cleaning cages and inspections.

I have never had a snake that seemed to enjoy being held., however I have many that seem to just tolerate it better than others. If I do have a particular snake that is ill tempered, I will tend to handle it more frequently in attempt get it more accustomed to handling.

I would much rather observe my snakes in their enclosures. I wouldn't want some big galoot taking me out of my home, picking me up and draping me around his/her neck, so I don't do it to them.
However, I wouldn't mind a big hand coming down picking me up and cleaning my house for me and then put me back when it's all spic n' span.

:D
 
Everyday unless they've fed. Then I wait 2-3 days. I'm gearing them up for some snake show and tell with kids. So, they all have to be really used to handling.

Not all snakes would like that but mine do just fine.
 
I chose "Don't know, whenever I feel like it" because my snake is a pet. Sometimes I will handle her once in a week and sometimes I will go two weeks without really disturbing her. I like to set up a play area in the corner of the room with some of the extra logs and stuff I have accumulated and put her down to explore and watch from a few feet away. After feeding and during sheds I shut down any stress during those situations but I feel like getting her out of the tank 3 or so times a month gives her mental stimulation. Otherwise she eats f/t food, doesnt have to hunt and basically alternates between the water bowl and a moss filled log. I don't have the time to overhandle the snake either trust me, lol.
 
TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

I know snakes dont really hear per say but i have seven snakes and I talk to them and cuddle with them just like my dog or wife hehe. :rofl:
 
they see me every day...for spot cleaning and to fill water bowls and when they get fed but unless i have cleaning to do they dont get handled
 
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