first feed/ first handling at home

24hrs at home, I was told to wait about 4 days before handling/feeding. Which one should come first, handling or feeding (feeding?) Or does it really not matter

Beyond cleaning and changing the water, I don't handle new BPs until at least 24 (preferably 48) hours after they've eaten for the first time for me.

I think it depends on the BP, personally. Not handling for the first week or until after the first feeding is a good rule of thumb, because by then most BPs are settled in and are feeling more secure. Which is what I think you should really gauge your first handling by--whether your BP has settled in.

The BP I just got settled in within the first couple of days and so I handled him on the third, and he fed for me just fine on the 5th day. But I moved on the 7th day I had him and that stressed him out. He didn't come out of his hide until yesterday for some attention, so I followed his lead and waited until he came out and then handled him.

I dont handle any new acquisitions until they have eaten 3 consecutive meals for me. That usually ends up around 3 weeks. But for some can be longer.


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I have always tried to not handle my additions for 7 days but well that never seems to happen. One snake ate on day 4 the other took a full 7 days before he ate so I gues it really depends on the snake :P

Leave them be to adjust with no handling for at least 5-7 days. Then do not handle, but feed. Then leave for at least 2 days. Then, gradually start to handle for a few minutes at a time. Building up length of time held. If they go off feed, back off on handling until normal feed resumes. Each snake is different. ;)

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Leave them be to adjust with no handling for at least 5-7 days. Then do not handle, but feed. Then leave for at least 2 days. Then, gradually start to handle for a few minutes at a time. Building up length of time held. If they go off feed, back off on handling until normal feed resumes. Each snake is different. ;)

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X2. A lot of newbies will handle to early and it just stresses out the snake