How long do you wait to handle a new snake?

I check the temps on all of my animals 2 or 3 times a day.

No handling until after 2 meals here.

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

Ok, so if not handled how about checked on?


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All of my snakes are in AP PVC cages with probed thermometers so all I have to do is walk by. I wouldn't disturb the snake more than 2-3 times a week until he/she is settled in. If he/she isn't eating then after a good inspection to make sure nothing is wrong I wouldn't even check.

I didn't see a choice in the poll for "Not until after they start eating", but not until after they start eating.

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Originally Posted by Dabonus

I wait until 2 days after their first meal.

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X3
As for checking on them, I check on all of my animals atleast once a day.

I check on all my snakes from day one at least twice a day - once first thing in the morning and once right before bed. But even in my rack, they are pretty visible. So I don't have to disturb them by checking on them. :gj:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gomojoe

Ok, so if not handled how about checked on?


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Depends... if the enclosure is heated with a thermostat so I know temps are fine and it is not entirely opaque so I can peek in from time to time, as little as possible. Basically as needed for water changes.

Both snakes we have was handled the next day, kids, but they eat regularly and have it had any problems!

New snakes I wait until after a meal or two.

Just plain leave them be for a week. Only contact for any needed cleaning. After a week, feed. If they eat, after 2 days start to handle for no more than 5 minutes at a time, gradually building amount of time. If at any point they stop eating, stop handling again until eating. If at first feeding they don't eat, back in tub, no handling for another week, then try to feed again. Do not start handling them regularly until they are established eating. As long as your temps and humidity are right on, you should need to check them much. The better you acclimate your new snake, the happier he will be in the long run. I know its hard to wait, but just look how much time you will have with him in the future!