The 48 hour rule..

I know it's proper to wait 48 hours to handle your ball python after a meal, Is it 48 hours ALWAYS? Or does it depend on how big the meal was? I ask because my ball just took a mouse and it she was still looking for more after she ate. This mouse was a little small for her I think because i just had to eyeball the size because my scale hasnt come yet, so I'm just curious when would be a good time for me to handle her. As a new BP owner im very anxious to handle her :D lol any input would be appreciated.

If you just can't wait, I'd say at least 24 hrs minimum. Generally BPs aren't as prone to regurging as some other snakes, which is where I think the 48 hour rule has its roots.

I usually only wait 24 hours to handle again. And I would personally suggest switching your BP to rats. It will grow so fast if you switch to rats.

-Alex

I just give mine the rest of the day off, and maby the next day too if its larger.

I give mine 48 hours, but you should be able to feel if your snake has digested the rodent or not. If there is no lump that you can feel you are probably good to handle.

Yeah like I said this mouse wasnt that big for her, and she was still cruising around the cage looking for more lol so Ill wait 24 hours and see how she looks and go from there. I'll wait around 24+ hours to handle her, then next week I'll feed her a bigger one and follow the 48 hour rule. :gj:

Personally I always wait 48 hours before handling just for fun, but if I have to take the snake out to clean or do cage maintenance then 24 hours is enough, so long as you don't handle more than is necessary to do the maintenance.

Yeah like my earlier post said, I'll probably wait 24 hrs and see how she looks then :)

I just wait a day and some change unless for some reason it was a larger meal then usual.