Bringing a BP home

[sugar]

I'm purchasing a young Ball from a specialty store pretty soon, and just want to know what a good "process" would be for bringing them home (20-30 min car ride likely in a box or whatever the store gives me, or i may bring my own small locking vented tub). The terrarium will be set up in the spare bedroom, should I just leave the box in there and let him come out on his own and give him some privacy? Do you avoid handling for the first week or so? and should I take him to a vet for a "check up" right away?

[KMG]

That short ride will be fine. Just make sure the vehicle is not super hot or cold. Keeping the a/c cool but not cold should be good. Do not place the container near any vents. Remember most modern cars have floor vents so look close if you keep it on the floor.

Placing the snake in the new home is fine and yes we usually suggest not handling for 7-10 days.

The vet is up to you. If it is cbb from a good breeder then you probably do not have much to worry about. If its wild caught or from new wild caught parents a vet check might be a good choice.

[FireStorm]

Also keep the container away from windows/direct sunlight, especially if its a clear container. You would be amazed at how fast a closed container can get dangerously hot if the sun is hitting it. Even if the ac is on.

[KMG]

Also keep the container away from windows/direct sunlight, especially if its a clear container. You would be amazed at how fast a closed container can get dangerously hot if the sun is hitting it. Even if the ac is on.

Good call! My windows have dark tent so I never think about that.

[BPGuy]

Placing the snake in the new home is fine and yes we usually suggest not handling for 7-10 days.

Out of curiosity, how important is it not to handle the new snake for the first week or so? I only ask because when we got our first two BPs (before I ever discovered this forum), we handled them almost daily from the first day we brought them home and did not notice any negative effects. Also, we have been handling the baby girl I picked up earlier this week on a daily basis and also have not seen any negative effects. In fact, she ate two rat pups yesterday (of course, I didn't handle her yesterday at all because it was feeding day). So, I'm just wondering whether we were lucky or whether we could have done some harm by the immediate handling.

[Inarikins]

Handling a new snake, especially a baby, can cause them to go off feed, especially if they're in a completely new environment. Every snake reacts differently and some don't mind being handled while others don't like it and don't eat. If she's eating and you're waiting 24-48 hours after feeding before handling to allow for digestion then there's really no harm in handling for short periods of time.

[Capray]

It's just for them to feel safe about their surroundings and eat without being messed with. Some snakes are more picky, I think you did get lucky with some good feeders.

[BPGuy]

Thanks for explaining that.


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[Kaorte]

All snakes are different. Some are fine with handling right when you bring them home, others need some time to realize that they are safe and not in danger. If you start handling a shy snake too soon, the snake might not eat. Best to get the snake eating first, then start with some handling.

As far as what to do with the snake in the car.. I like to use snake bags, then put the snake in a secure tub. Keep the snake out of direct sunlight and it should be fine as long as the car isn't super hot or super cold. The tub should help insulate if its a little colder.

When you get home, just take the snake out of the box/bag/whatever and put it in its new home. You don't need to let the snake get out on its own unless you think it might bite you for some reason. This isn't really a problem with ball pythons though since they are so gentle. I let my tree snakes leave the container on their own just because I don't like to mess with them needlessly, especially when I first bring them home.