New Snake

[Caligirl0113]

Hi I just got a new young ball python yesterday, Kaya, and she is beautiful. I was told not to handle her until she has had 2 feedings. My question is how can I tell when she is ready to eat. I have done alot of reading but this has never been explained. Her temp is good and she is very active and looking around. Should I offer her food or wait? Thanks.

Jenna

[trumetal96]

You should wait at least a week before handling.
I would also wait a week to feed her to let her get used to her new enclosure. You should give her about 2 days after feeding to let her digest her food before handling her.

Also, is your enclosure setup the right way?
Do you have at least 2 hides?
How are you measuring your temps? Are you using a stick-on thermometer or digital?(stick-on's are crap and are inaccurate).
What is your heating source? (You should have a light for the top, and an UTH).

glad I could help

[starmom]

What trumetal is saying is that we love pictures!!!! Woohoo!!! Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Welcome to the forum!!

[starmom]

Hi I just got a new young ball python yesterday, Kaya, and she is beautiful. I was told not to handle her until she has had 2 feedings. My question is how can I tell when she is ready to eat. I have done alot of reading but this has never been explained. Her temp is good and she is very active and looking around. Should I offer her food or wait? Thanks.

Jenna

Now, down to business!
She is probably cruising her environment because it is a new home and she is curious and stressed.
This is normal behavior in a new home and she really ought to settle down quickly in one of her little hides~ she'll either choose the cool ~82F hide or the warm ~92F hide that are controlled by a thermostat.
She might want a little drink out of her nice clean water bowl.
She appreciates that you don't have her in a high traffic area and with sides of a tank that are just glass that everyone can see into.
And, I'm sure she loves the ~55% humidity she is living in!
Give her a week and feed her an appropriate sized prey. And when you get the chance, we do love pictures!