First feeding

[kiiarah]

So Shesha, my juvenile pastel, took his first at home feeding last night. He retreated into his hide right after swallowing his pinky rat and has been curled up in there since. I have seen handling guidelines varying from 24 after feeding all the way up to 72 hours, but everyone seems to say it depends on temps, size of meal, and the snake itself. Is there any sign I can watch for to know that he is done digesting? For example, if I see him out and about in the evening, is it a safe bet that he has digested and can be handled or would it still be wise to wait beyond that. I had read that some people wait for them to poop, but then other posts indicate that balls can go weeks before that happens. Also, since he is in his hide and tucked away behind his aspen shavings, how long would it be considered normal for him to stay there before I would start worrying that something is wrong. I am probably being paranoid since he is my first bp and this is his first feeding, but I keep worrying that if something were wrong I would have no way of knowing. I don't want to lift his hide to check on him for risk of stressing him, but would there be an amount of time after which I would need to worry if he still hasn't come out?

[Eric Alan]

48 hours seems to be the most agreed upon time frame. You're right though, I've seen anything form 6 hours to 72 hours. I certainly wouldn't wait until they poop to handle them - you could be waiting for quite some time (they don't poop after every meal)!

As far as him being in his hide - a hiding BP tends to be a happy BP. Happy for a BP means they feel safe/secure and are feeding well. I wouldn't be concerned that he's spending too much time in there pretty much ever (as long as you're doing semi-regular health and welfare checks).

[kiiarah]

So would you say that once I see him out and active it would be safe to handle him? =)

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[frostysBP]

Yea if he is out exploring after a least 24hr from time of feeding you will be fine in my experince. And every snakes a little diffrent. Some of my bp will hide 2-3 day after a good feeding others will be out and about later that night. Your snake will let you know if he wants to be left alone.

[Eric Alan]

So would you say that once I see him out and active it would be safe to handle him? =)

I'd wait at least 24 hours and then use that as an indicator. Some stay in feeding mode and roam for the night after feeding before settling down to digest, so don't let that fool you into thinking he's digested his meal that quickly.

How many times has he eaten since you've had him?

[kiiarah]

This is the first time. It has now been 24 hours, he did go straight into his hide and stayed there all night and all day today as far as I can tell. He is out again now and in his favorite plant. =)

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[Eric Alan]

Since that's the case, I'd stay away from holding him until he's eaten at least three consecutive meals from you. Getting used to his new home is stressful enough - let him get used to you down the road a bit.

[kiiarah]

That makes sense, he's doing so well I don't want to mess anything up. Do you happen to have a moment to take a look at the post I have up regarding uth set up? You have been so helpful today and it sounds like you know what you are doing.

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[Eric Alan]

That makes sense, he's doing so well I don't want to mess anything up. Do you happen to have a moment to take a look at the post I have up regarding uth set up? You have been so helpful today and it sounds like you know what you are doing.

Yep. KMG's advice is solid, so I didn't see a need to say the same thing twice. He and I tend to agree about a lot of things on here.

[kiiarah]

Perfect, sounds like a plan then. =)

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