Eww rebel

[Royal_Python]

It almost seems contrary to what I keep learning... So I am posting this to see how many people experienced similar things with there ball pythons.

First... I held my BP within the first 24 hours of getting her... couldnt help it... she acted just fine..

Second... I fed her within the first week.. and she fed just fine..

[Alexandra V]

Yup, I've had the same experience with my normal male. He ate two days after coming home, though I did refrain from handling.

The reason why so many people say not to feed ohandle in the first week isn't because it will absolutely have negative repercussions on the snake, but that. every snake is different and when giving advice on an animal you dont know, its better safe than sorry.

Sure, it can be done without issues, but if you don't then you don't risk having issues to begin with.

[Lferg]

I couldn't resist. I had to play with her! I was told she fed the Friday before I brought her home so the fist Friday I had her, I fed her and every Friday since. But then again, my girl wasn't shipped, I got her from a small breeder about an hour north of me.

[Kymberli]

I had given each of my snakes one week without handling when I first obtained them, but of course there was the occasional soiling of the tub that in turn required me to handle them within that first week. It's not a "set in stone" rule of owning BPs, I'm sure many people have disregarded this suggestion and have had success with feeding and keeping a stress-free BP. It's really just a general consensus that you will have a better chance at a successful feed and a calmer snake if you give them time to settle in.

[Simple Man]

It really depends on the snake. I have some like that and some that need a few days rest after handling or they refuse. More often than not if your husbandry is good, a snake will eat.

Regards,

B

[jsmorphs2]

I've never really had a problem with new snakes feeding. Most would eat the same day or a few days after I got them. I try to buy strong feeders.

I do keep handling to a minimum for a while though just cause I don't need to handle them and why add the stress. But there are several that were just total sweeties right from the start that I know wouldn't mind hanging out for a while.

Glad you're having luck with your new little one .

[Annarose15]

One other thing to remember - If you are adding a new ball to a collection, then keeping handling to a minimum during QT reduces your chances of cross-contamination to your other animals.

[Redneck_Crow]

When I get a new one, I offer it food on whatever the next "rat day" is around my house.

If they don't want it, fine. 3 out of 4 so have taken me up on the offer, one was so greedy that she was hanging out at the end of the cage scenting the whole time I fed the others.

[Eric Doane]

I held mine for the 2 hour car ride home, then fed as soon as I got it in the tank. It has been an aggressive eater since day one. It is also friendly and curious when handled. I love my little crusher