First Interaction Questions

Hello everyone! I am the proud owner of my first snake, the ball python. His name is Gordon and he is adjusting well to his new environment. 4 days from now I intend on handling Gordon for the first time. 2 days after will be his first feed. I'm a regular handler of reptiles, but am a bit unfamiliar with snakes. I'm not nervous to touch him but I don't want to stress him out too much. Is there a way I should go about this first session that would make it easier on him? Or anything I should do beforehand?

How long have you had him incidentally?
Royals/Balls in particular need a time of adjustment to settle in properly.
I'd suggest no less than 10 days of peace and quiet even before trying to feed it ... just refresh the water .

Then only then AFTER a feed (some suggest a few feeds) should you even consider handling the little guy ..

Just an opinion.. as someone else recently said .... "there's no rush to start handling ( even though it's sooo tempting) as you'll potentially have him around for the next 20+ years ..

I'm presuming that your setup is as required .... Thermostat regulating the heat source , suitable thermometer not one of those useless stick on ones , correct temps on warm and cool side , two identical hides ..etc


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I've had him for about a week today. I've been keeping the temps at 85-90 on the hot side of his terrarium. Humidity is at about 60 at all times.

Best thing would be to post a photo of the set up plus an accurate description of everything .. type of heat source , if it's a UTH , where the mat is placed , size of mat , what size of viv , kind of thermometer etcetc etc ..


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Oh and WELCOME !! :)


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From one snake newbie to another .. welcome

but I second the above poster. WAIT!!!

your guy has not even had a meal yet. Let alone consecutive. Most people say 3 some even more. I’m going on feeding number 2 tomorrow and I plan to wait 3-4 feedings. It takes them a while to adjust

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of snake keeping.

First off, hold off on handling. A little here and there to check on the snake, clean the enclosure, etc... is ok, but no actual handling sessions.

I advise waiting until the snake eats three consecutive meals without refusal before handling. At that point, start with short and sweet sessions. I would aim for 2-3 sessions per week and about 10 minutes per session. From there, become familiar with the snake's mannerisms and let the snake dictate when to increase frequency and time of handling sessions.

As for when to feed, I would offer 1 week after the snake ate last, regardless of when he came home with you.
After that, feed the same day each week.

Last thought: are your heat sources regulated by a thermostat??

All the replies are good advice.

Next, think about how a hawk or cat other predator would approach something small and edible. Mostly a pounce from above. You don't want to trigger his fight or flight response. So move slowly and approach on his level. If the cage opens from the top, put your hand in at the far end of the cage from the snake. Flatten your hand and place the back on the cage floor. Then slowly approach the snake, stopping when he tenses up. Or a small hook may be used to raise the snake until you can slide your hand under him.

Good luck.

I think the no handling for weeks or so many meals is a sinister plot to torture newbies. I never held off more than a day or two for any of my snakes (because I didn't know any better) None ever showed any ill effects.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottS

I think the no handling for weeks or so many meals is a sinister plot to torture newbies. I never held off more than a day or two for any of my snakes (because I didn't know any better) None ever showed any ill effects.

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Guess it may depend somewhat on the species ... Many Royals / Balls seem to need to feel completely settled before eating ( some don't ) and many like King snakes or Retics would happily eat hanging upside down in a snow storm ..

Some Royals are never great eaters and odd ones would eat every three days ...


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