New Albino is not shy at all... Is it Ok to handle her?

[RobRam]

Just picked up a female sub adult albino, she is very friendly and not shy, I really want to handle her, do I absolutely have to wait a few days?
What happens if I don't? She hasn't eaten in 3 days.
She is exploring all over the tank and not hiding at all
Thanks for the advice

[Zincubus]

Just picked up a female sub adult albino, she is very friendly and not shy, I really want to handle her, do I absolutely have to wait a few days?
What happens if I don't? She hasn't eaten in 3 days.
She is exploring all over the tank and not hiding at all
Thanks for the advice

I leave mine for a few weeks
I like to get a few feeds down first with any new acquisitions than start a few short handling sessions


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[Bogertophis]

I agree. Any new snake is going to be disoriented, & when the snake cruises their new home, that may easily be mistaken for being "friendly & not shy". Since handling is well-known to put stressed snakes off their feed, & since eating is part of staying healthy, I think it's much wiser not to handle them- just let them "settle in" until they've eaten several (like 3) meals at normal intervals without any refusals (unless in shed, then refusing food is normal). Putting a snake's needs first usually pays off- & they're fun to watch anyway.

If you think it's not much fun when you can't handle your snake, think how much LESS fun it will be if they keep refusing food due to stress. In the wild, snakes learn their way around to survive- they have to know where to shelter from heat & cold, & for safety from predators. Imagine how it feels when as "pets" they're suddenly transported & plopped into a new environment- many keep looking for the home they knew previously- which is what you're probably seeing- not sociability. They rely on their instincts- & they need time to feel "safe" in their new home- for best results. Be patient...