Why don't you handle a snake after feeding?

[nevtalath]

hi all, i know you're not meant 2 handle snakes 48-72 hrs after feeding. But was just wondering the reasons why? Cheers all

 

[ravan]

risk of damaging the snake while they're digesting and risking them regurgitating.
well, thats why i dont handle mine

 

[pyrodarknessanny]

regurgitation, also some say will make the snake a bit iffy about accepting feeds (cause it gets disturbed)

 

[grannieannie]

reasons as above.....

 

[ShadowDragon]

Try eating a large meal, lie on the floor on your stomach and get someone to grab you around your middle and pick you up.

 

[syeph8]

Try eating a large meal, lie on the floor on your stomach and get someone to grab you around your middle and pick you up.

that hurt! why would you reccomend somethiong like that!?!?!

 

[daniel1234]

that hurt! why would you reccomend somethiong like that!?!?!

lol

 

[ShadowDragon]

that hurt! why would you reccomend somethiong like that!?!?!

A warped sense of humour combined with a sadistic streak juuuust wide enough that I'm not content with merely watching people end up in painful situations, but would rather instigate them :lol:

Seriously though, that's about the equivalent for humans. It's just not comfortable for the snake, you risk damaging them internally (especially quite soon after), they can regurgitate, they feel more vulnerable after eating - so not only can you hurt them but they're often prone to stress more easily. If there's no particularly urgent need for it, then why bother 'em?

 

[Owzi]

I wouldn't like to be handled if I just ate a weeks worth of food in one meal!

 

[snakehandler]

Actually if you are gentle with the way you handle a snake, then there is no reason that you cannot, provided they do not get overstressed. With doing shows and displays on a very regular basis we are often forced to feed our animals, then two days later use them in shows. We try not to make it less than two days, but if the snake is hardy enough we have no issue with it.

People often do handle snakes directly after feeding, especially when feeding outside their enclosure!

 

[nevtalath]

cool thanks guys. I haven't been handling her despite my partner wanting 2 so now i can at least tell him y he cant! I did think it would b cos its uncomfortable and 2 just let them digest in peace but didn't think of regurgitation.

 

[nevtalath]

she is a very inquisitive snake and often comes up 4 a sniff. She seems very placid and settled and not easily stressed which is a bonus on my half.