How long do you wait before handling a new snake?

I purchased a small BP that is approximately 17 inches long 3 days ago and the kids and I have been handling it a lot. I think it’s been crawling on us more than it’s been in the cage. The guy that sold me the snake said it was ok to handle them all the time. This guy has kids and from what I heard this snake and all his other snakes are handled continually. The feeding schedule is Wednesdays and now after reading these forums and other articles from the internet my snake may never eat for me. I have told the kids to leave the snake alone until after it eats.

i wait about a week, then feed, then handle 2 days after the feeding.
so 9 to 10 days

I handled mine the day I got it. Which was about 4 days ago. Its a baby and hasnt bit me yet.

normally 2 days after it eats ... :)

With both of my snakes I've handled on the second day, but only for sixty seconds or so. I handle for no more than two minutes for the first week or so. (And not at all before/after they eat. I give new snakes 3 days after their first meal before handling, to be extra sure they keep it down.)

I don't have a set time. It depends on the snake. If they settle in quickly enough I might handle them the day I bring them home, but it usually takes them a few days to reach that point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

No handling until he eats his first meal for me!

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Same with me, if I can I try to get the breeder I'm getting the snake from to not feed the snake for a week before I get it. Then I offer food on like day two after getting it, let it digest a day then min handling. So usually 3 to 4 day wait for me.