New Baby Snake Questions (Pictures)

[Tavers]

Hi everyone! I got a baby Moquards Beauty Snake this weekend and I am super excited about it! I posted something a little similar on the rat snakes forum, but I am not getting much back. I was wondering a little bit about the differences between taiwan beauties and moquards beauties, but I will save that for the rat snake board.

However, I also need help with how to properly care for a baby snake. I have two adult snakes (eastern king and a ball python) and I was just wondering how things differ between caring for a baby and an adult.

How often should I feed my baby? I have heard so many different things and I want to narrow it down. I want him to get as long as possible and be well-fed, but not obese or unhealthy. Could I feed him two pinkies at a time if he wanted them?

Is there a particular way to handle a baby to make it trust you and feel comfortable? (Other than the basics)

How often and for how long should I handle my baby? I was thinking I should handle him at least once a day. I heard beauties can be aggressive, and though he has shown no aggressive tendencies at all I want to make sure he stays comfortable with people. I don't want to stress him by handling him too much though.

I just got him two days ago and at first he was a little skittish, but he seems comfortable now. He hangs out on his climbing logs or peeks out of his hides. He also seems pretty curious about everything and will slither around his enclosure (20 gallon aquarium) in an easy manner. He shed perfectly yesterday and ate a pinky today and he was the biggest of the siblings.

Feel free to share anything you know about caring for babies and if you want to give some name suggestions that would be great too!

Here are some pictures!

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[artgecko]

Hello!

I don't know a great deal (just got my first two snakes a couple months ago, but have had geckos for a few years now), but I'll try to be as helpful as possible.

I would leave him alone to get used to his setup for a 1-2 weeks (this is the same for most herps)..minimal handling, just do regular cage maintenance.

If he is in a large (to him) tank, provide lots of cover, branches, vines, hides, etc.

I believe babies need a more frequent feeding schedule than adults. My two, which are both very young, eat every 5-6 days. I've heard smaller, more frequent meals are better than over sized less frequent ones.

I have also read that babies can be more sensitive to humidity / temp swings than adults, so just watch your temps like a hawk.

Once the quarantine / adjustment period is over, I'd start with frequent, but short (like 5 mins. every 2-3 days) handling sessions. Then you can step it up as he /she gets used to you.

Good luck!
Artgecko

p.s. great pics btw!

[Tavers]

Thanks! I have got him all kinds of hides right now because he looks so tiny in a twenty gallon and plenty of places to climb which he loves to do! Every time I open his cage to add something or fix his water he comes out of his hide to see what is going on. He is a curious little guy! And I am for sure watching his temps really closely. His warm side is sitting at 82 and I think that is pretty good temp for him. Thank you for the advice!