A few details about holding a ball python

 

It's pretty safe to say that Jafar, the ball python is a hit with the students. Even students (and teachers) who aren't crazy about snakes are learning about snakes in general and ball pythons specifically. The question I hear most often is, "May I hold him?"  

The answer is yes but ONLY if your parents sign and return a permission/release form. I must have the form in my possession to even consider allowing a student to hold Jafar. Once I have the form, there is a good chance that there will be a wait before you get your turn to hold the snake. 

First and foremost, safety of our students and the snake is very important to us. Snakes cannot be held on the day he is fed - he is fed on Mondays. Also, we must wait 24-48 hours after feeding before holding Jafar. The reason for this is being handled and held is stressful to the snake and it may cause him to vomit up his dinner. Not good for a snake!  

Also, ball pythons may shed every 4-6 weeks and the entire process can take up to a week to occur. This is also a stressful time for a snake and they should not be held as they go through the shedding process.

So holding the snake will only take place when time permits on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays - as long as he is not shedding. We will also examine his behavior and if he seems agitated for any reason, we will not hold him. While a ball python bite is rarely serious it is stressful and scary and our goal is to prevent it from happening. That being said - he is a snake and well, all snakes will bite if provoked. The other thing to keep in mind is that we will only hold Jafar for a short period of time and only in a quiet and calm environment. 

My hope is to have all of the students who have a signed form will have the opportunity to hold Jafar but it might take time - we will have him for several months so just be patient! The link for the forms can be found by clicking on the three lines in the upper left corner on the home page.