Getting my first snake

[Colin Manning]

I'm getting my first snake next week, a Ball Python of course . I went to see him yesterday and he is gorgeous. Cant wait to get him home now so I can show my gf that theres nothing to be afraid of and be able to play with him, after he settled in of course.

[Gloryhound]

Sounds great! You are going to have to get us some pictures!

[frankykeno]

Congrats on the purchase of your first ball python! If you need any help in setting up it's home properly, there are tons of threads on that or please post your own questions. Having their home ready and dialled in well before the snake arrives, is always a good first step in helping the snake adjust to the change in homes.

Do remember when it comes to handling to allow the snake that first week of quiet time without handling or attempts to feed. Then focus on feeding and getting that routine down pat. Handling is something that everyone wants but shouldn't be the first thing you focus on (hard as that is to say and to do). Handling for me anyways is a joy and an experience I treasure and I'm honored our snakes allow me that with gentle acceptance.

In the end though handling is a gift and I see it as such. Something I want but the snakes don't necessarily have to accept or even need. Respect your snake for what it is and more importantly for what it isn't and you'll never go wrong.

[starmom]

Congrats on the purchase of your first ball python! If you need any help in setting up it's home properly, there are tons of threads on that or please post your own questions. Having their home ready and dialled in well before the snake arrives, is always a good first step in helping the snake adjust to the change in homes.

Do remember when it comes to handling to allow the snake that first week of quiet time without handling or attempts to feed. Then focus on feeding and getting that routine down pat. Handling is something that everyone wants but shouldn't be the first thing you focus on (hard as that is to say and to do). Handling for me anyways is a joy and an experience I treasure and I'm honored our snakes allow me that with gentle acceptance.

In the end though handling is a gift and I see it as such. Something I want but the snakes don't necessarily have to accept or even need. Respect your snake for what it is and more importantly for what it isn't and you'll never go wrong.

Very well said.

[Gloryhound]

I agree with the handling issue, but also you have to handle when cleaning their home and I like to get mine to the Vet asap after arriving which calls for some handling. I think getting the Vet out of the way right of the bat gets the majority of the stress out of the way right off the bat. Other than these kinds of handlings I like to leave them alone. I feel sorry for one of our girls as she came in with a minor case of an RI (Due to Fed-ex screwing up. ) and we have to give her an anti-biotic everyday for 10 days. I'm sure just the method you have to use to administer the anti-biotic is stressful on her (heck it is stressful on us! ), but ultimately it is in her best interest. We just won't worry to much about not eating as soon as our others did since it will be a longer time period for her to adapt, but she is a gorgeous girl and I hope our double het for VPI Snow finds her sexy when the time comes in a couple months.

[Ginevive]

Sounds cool! BPs are awesome snakes, and you made a great choice. Watch out, they are addicting..

[ChrisBowsman]

Other than these kinds of handlings I like to leave them alone.

Really? You never get them out just to *visit*?

[frankykeno]

I think she's talking about the first weeks of ownership, Chris, where handling is usually kept to a minimum while you get them settled in or in her case, treat them for a medical condition.

For me that falls more under a maintenance issue rather than handling for the fun and to get the snake out for a bit of a stretch.

[ChrisBowsman]

I think she's talking about the first weeks of ownership, Chris, where handling is usually kept to a minimum while you get them settled in or in her case, treat them for a medical condition.

Gotcha, that makes a little more sense. Given the rather understated nature of their, uh, performing tendencies, I couldn't imagine why somebody would choose a bp if they weren't going to handle it

[Aonaen]

Congratz! Pretty soon you are prob. gonna want another one.