Timing and handling

[AkivaSmith]

We brought Fluffy ( 3 month old normal Male ball python) home on Sunday last (Sept. 10).

I already had the set-up with the correct temps and humidity. After my wife handled him for about 3 minutes we transfered him from the plastic container into the enclosure.

On Friday Evening, one week from his last meal, I put a crawler sized mouse on a tile slab in front of his hide. He did not react for about a minute. So I pushed the slab closer (about 1" away) to the opening. BOY was that a mistake. He shot out of the hole so fast he almost got me. Then he snarffed that mouse so fast I was truely amazed.

Tonight I want to take him out to handle him for the first time. The whole family wants to handle him, but I am unsure just how much will be OK.

I have a small enclosure with a UTH to put him in while I clean the big one.

What should I do so as not to stress him out?

[rabernet]

I'd keep his handling session short - maybe 15 minutes and see how he does.


Remember that handling is for our pleasure, and that they really would prefer to be left alone, so respect that when handling.

Sounds like you are already off to a good start with him!

If he begins to refuse food, stop the handling sessions until he eats again (after you've confirmed that heat and humidity are right and that he has two small tight hides to cram himself into).