OK to handle?

[bigSAK]

I just got my BP on 7/12/15, I let her acclimate all week as she really loved staying in her cold hide (this one is one entrance in and out and super dark) at first. She progressively got more active around the tank throughout the week (great news ). I attempted to feed on Saturday 7/18/15; I was nervous because I was told she was feeding live before I got her and I wanted to make a switch to F/T mice, then when she hits 100g get her on the F/T rats I got from the expo. I dangled the food in front of the hide and she didn't come out or strike with the room very dark, so I left in in front of the hide thinking I would take the mouse out if she didn't take it by morning. Well within minutes she was taking that mouse down! I think she just needed to investigate since it was her first F/T meal. Afterwards she went back in her very dark hide and for all day Sunday she was hanging out on the UTH (90deg) digesting, looking super comfortable. So, my question to you all is do you think it's ok to take her out and handle her for a couple minutes today to get her acclimated to being handled? I'm assuming yes since she doesn't seem stressed, has eaten, and its been over 24hrs since last meal. Any recommendations are appreciated!

[DVirginiana]

It's usually good to wait until either two weeks have passed or they're regularly taking for before really starting to handle. That being said, I don't think that a very short handling session would stress her too much, especially since she's already eaten. When I've got a new snake, I will often lift them out of the enclosure while I do routine maintenance stuff like spot cleaning (mostly so I don't get tagged by waving my hands in front of a nippy snake) and a quick check over to make sure they are completely healthy. All in all that might take two minutes tops, then it's back into the enclosure for them.

I'd keep handling to no more than something like that for another week or two. It's tough not to handle them, but it's even tougher if they get stressed before they're ready and quit eating on you.

[GoingPostal]

I usually wait until snakes are eating regularly, at least three meals in a row before handling and give them two days after a feeding before taking them out. Especially with a baby, don't want to set them back. I've got a stubborn eating baby right now that I've had a few months who still isn't eating regularly and I don't bother him. You'll have 20+ years to handle her so no rush. Great that she took f/t so well first try.

It sounds like maybe you have two different hides, just keep an eye on the situation, some snakes will pick security over proper temps so identical hides are recommended. Bp's pretty much hide all the time, being out and about is more a sign of stress although new baby, new cage not unusual to see a snake exploring.

[JoshSloane]

I think you will be ok to handle after she feeds again, and then wait a day or two after that. Seems like she is taking to her new enclosure well, and is utilizing the different zones. Good job.

[maudie]

off of much personal experience, I think it would be absolutely fine. just be gentle, I've never had any problem with it just give her 24 hours. holding is just as important as feeding!