new ball python. feeding and handling

Ok so I posted earlier about my humidity issue but i wanted to ask one more question
I bought my python last monday so its been a week. During that week i changed the substrate due to humidity problems. Well first time i used sand because i didnt know what i was doing so i changed to shaved aspen and the humidity dropped so i changed to cypress mulch. So obviously i took him out of the tank twice but other then that i never handled him. I tried feeding him the following friday and he didnt take. He acted like he striked once but then left it alone(frozen then thawed). My question is should i wait till he eats this friday and wait two days then handle him or could i handle him now?

I would definitely wait until the snake has eaten a few times to handle it. Handling can cause stress and lead to not eating.

Ok thats what i figured. One more think since i got cypress mulch its kinda messy ajd i dont want my ball to swallow anything it shouldnt when i try feeding it next so should i put him i another container or box for feeding even though it sometimes cause stress?

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Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

I would definitely wait until the snake has eaten a few times to handle it. Handling can cause stress and lead to not eating.

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I agree. You may have only handled him twice so far, but you dramatically changed his environment both times, so it was like resetting his initial settling-in period. You may also want to offer live for his first feeding, if that was what he ate previously, and the switch to F/T once he's had a couple of meals.

Swollowing a lil substrate wont hurt them. Just feed in his enclosure. Taking them out to eat causes.unneccessary stress and can lead to refusals and a possible bite.

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I agree that each time you changed substrate, you "reset" the adjustment/settle in time. I would not handle him at all until he has eaten two or three times consecutively for you. Then start with just a few minutes at a time, and gradually work your way up. You do not need to move him to feed him. They digest bones, a little substrate won't hurt.

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Ok thanks a lot. I dont wanna feed him anything but live anyways but hes really small and the one pet store in my area was out so i went to another one and they only have fuzzies frozen. Unless there is a size bigger i can feed him but like i said he is a juvenile.

Bp hatchlings can eat a mouse hopper or rat pink right out of the egg. If all they have is adult mice your bp can handle it, just try to pick the smallest from the lot, and wait a few more days till the next feedibg to ensure full digestion :D

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballpythonluvr

I would definitely wait until the snake has eaten a few times to handle it. Handling can cause stress and lead to not eating.

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Got to X3 this I wiat till at least 2 sometimes good feedings before I handle my new snake:)

Ok thanks for the help anyone. Im glad i joined this community because you are all extremely helpful. I just care for the health and happiness of my new buddy :)