When to handle new Ball Python?

[Arcapello]

I got a ball python yesterday (Sunday), and I'm not sure when I should start handling him.
The 4 main opinions I've heard are:

1: 2-3 days after you bring him home
2: After he's been fed once or twice (Waiting at least 24-48 hours after feeding)
3: Whenever you want
4: 48 hours after his first feeding

What's everyone's opinion? The breeder suggested that I feed him on Thursday.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

With a young and new animal in your possession the best thing to do is to start handling when the animal is well settled and has ate 3 to 5 time consecutively for you.

[1nstinct]

Give him a week. He is new he is going to be scared, give him a week to get use to his new home then try feeding. Or you can do what i always do, offer food the first day, helps me see what type of feeder they will be.

[Kaorte]

You've heard my opinion via PM already, but I'll share with everyone.

I'd wait at LEAST until after the first feeding. I know how hard it is to resist handling a new snake, and I myself am guilty of handling a snake before its eaten a few times for me.

If you are going to handle your snake before it's eating consistently then keep the handling sessions short. A couple minutes here and there shouldn't do any harm. If your snake isn't eating for you every week, cut the handling until its eating again.

Most ball pythons are fine with handling, but there are some that get very stressed and it can cause them to go off feed. You don't want this to happen if its a baby.

[foxoftherose]

I got mine three weeks ago, fed him once after he'd been with us a week, and then waited two days. I still only handle him for around ten minutes at a time, but he seems to enjoy being able to explore his new surroundings. That worked pretty well for me. Good luck with your new pet!

[Arcapello]

With a young and new animal in your possession the best thing to do is to start handling when the animal is well settled and has ate 3 to 5 time consecutively for you.

So I should wait until he's eaten 3-5 times, and then start handling him?

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I got mine three weeks ago, fed him once after he'd been with us a week, and then waited two days. I still only handle him for around ten minutes at a time, but he seems to enjoy being able to explore his new surroundings. That worked pretty well for me. Good luck with your new pet!

Thanks! That's what I was thinking I would do, but there's so much conflicting information out there.

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You've heard my opinion via PM already, but I'll share with everyone.

I'd wait at LEAST until after the first feeding. I know how hard it is to resist handling a new snake, and I myself am guilty of handling a snake before its eaten a few times for me.

If you are going to handle your snake before it's eating consistently then keep the handling sessions short. A couple minutes here and there shouldn't do any harm. If your snake isn't eating for you every week, cut the handling until its eating again.

Most ball pythons are fine with handling, but there are some that get very stressed and it can cause them to go off feed. You don't want this to happen if its a baby.

He was born in early 2012, and I'm thinking I'll wait a day or two after feeding. It's interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on the subject.

[Dracoluna]

Honestly, it depends on the person and ultimately the snake.

When I sell a baby to a new owner (first time snake owner), I tell them to let the snake settle in for at least a week. They can offer food the first day but don't be disappointing if it gets turned down. If the baby doesn't eat the second time (5-7 days later) then continue to not handle it until it does because this signals that the snake is still stressed. If it does eat, wait about 24 hours and then you can begin to handle them. Really, it all depends on the snake and how quickly it can adapt. Once you have more experience with them, you'll recognize signs of stress, etc. faster than with your first one and can afford to take fewer precautions.

For example, my corns probably could be handled on the trip home, the first day, while they're eating, and not care. Ball pythons are a little more sensitive, however, and I've noticed that since getting into them. I'd still rather have people take all precautions though especially with their first snake.

[Arcapello]

Honestly, it depends on the person and ultimately the snake.

When I sell a baby to a new owner (first time snake owner), I tell them to let the snake settle in for at least a week. They can offer food the first day but don't be disappointing if it gets turned down. If the baby doesn't eat the second time (5-7 days later) then continue to not handle it until it does because this signals that the snake is still stressed. If it does eat, wait about 24 hours and then you can begin to handle them. Really, it all depends on the snake and how quickly it can adapt. Once you have more experience with them, you'll recognize signs of stress, etc. faster than with your first one and can afford to take fewer precautions.

For example, my corns probably could be handled on the trip home, the first day, while they're eating, and not care. Ball pythons are a little more sensitive, however, and I've noticed that since getting into them. I'd still rather have people take all precautions though especially with their first snake.

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking I'll feed him on Thursday, and try to get him out for 5-10 minutes on Saturday (if he eats on Thursday), and just slowly start handling him more.

[Dracoluna]

Thanks for the advice. I'm thinking I'll feed him on Thursday, and try to get him out for 5-10 minutes on Saturday (if he eats on Thursday), and just slowly start handling him more.

You're welcome. Just treat him like you would any other animal. Start out slowly with him and work him up. Most adapt to it wonderfully. Good luck and if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. People around here are pretty friendly and willing to help. Like you've seen though, there can be different ways we do things. It's not that one is wrong or right, but just different.