First BP first snake.

[keaser06]

I recently purchased my first BP. A baby pastel. He is very sketchy if you try to hold him and is a striker. I have had him a few days and have left him alone for the most part. My question is how long should I wait to start trying to handle him. I don't want to stress him off food. Also what would you guys suggest to combat the striking?

[Eazyyyb]

I would wait 7-10 days and then try to feed. And then begin handling a day after he eats. As far as striking, just keep handling him every day, and don't put him back when he bites, or he will learn if he bites, he gets to go back

[KMG]

Its recommended to let it relax and settle into its new home for about a week without being bothered. Then start short handling sessions a couple times a week and work your way up from there. As for the striking just have a steady hand. It will learn you are not a threat and should relax when your dealing with it in a short time.

[keaser06]

Thanks for the responses guys. I think he may have been hungry as well. I got him Saturday and just gave him a rat pup which he had no problem devouring. He was a little aggitated when I tried to transfer him back to his cage but I just threw on a glove and dominated him and put him back in his cage. He went straight for his hide on the warm side.

[bcr229]

Feed him in his enclosure so you don't have to move him when he's all wound up in food/hunting mode.

[lurch9]

Doesnt feeding in enclosure promote God response when you go into it for cleaning or to handle the snake?

[bcr229]

Doesnt feeding in enclosure promote God response when you go into it for cleaning or to handle the snake?

I have no idea what you meant by that...

But, if you're worried about the snake becoming enclosure-aggressive then no worries. These guys are smart enough to distinguish between a person and a prey item, we smell different. Just don't go handling any rodents before putting your hand into the enclosure.

[kiiarah]

I can't say from direct experience, but it seems to be the general consensus that the feeding in the enclosure trains them to strike you theory is a myth. Think of it this way, if you only open their enclosure to feed them, it is possible that this could happen, but you will likely be getting into the enclosure to clean, handle, provide fresh water, etc. Your snake is smart enough to know a mouse from your hand as long as you ensure that your hand is not scented. Always wash your hands before reaching into the tank, just in case you smell like something that could be mistaken for prey. Most people actually advise feeding in the enclosure over a separate tub. Bps are sort of notorious for refusing food if any little factor isn't perfect. A tub could easily add enough extra stress that they may refuse food entirely. Basically, feeding in the enclosure gives you the best odds that they will eat. Don't be concerned, just make sure that feeding time isn't the only time that your hand is in the tank.

[Spencer88]

Give him a few days then you should be good for handling. If it really scares you when he strikes you could always hook train him. Even though I wouldn't do it for my own but I'm not scared of getting stuck by a BP.

As far as feeding goes, It's really up to you. I fed one my BPs out of the tank for years and he did fine. I now feed all my snakes in the enclosure with no problems.