New BP - First Week Questions

[ckuhn003]

I'm 'slowly' coming up on my 1st week anniversary of homing my new BP. I've been patient w/ not trying to disturb him (w/ the exception of some occasional peeking into the enclosure and changing his water dish). I've only see his eyes twice peeking from the hide. My plan is to feed him for the 2nd time in a couple days. I was lucky enough that he ate Day 4 after I got him.

My question revolves around handling him. Should I wait a couple more feeds until holding? Also, as I understand, it's best not to hold until 48 hours after feeding. Any other times I should avoid handling (i.e before feeding day, etc..).

Also, I haven't found any poop. Either he hasn't gone yet or it might be waiting for me in his hide. Should I look? I hate to disturb the acclimation process.

[tttaylorrr]

it's common practice to wait for 3 successful feedings before starting regular handling.

yes, do not handle until 48 hours after feeding. i also avoid handling the day of feeding if it can be helped.

go ahead and look for poop, but young beeps tend to hold on to their waste a lot longer than older ones so i could be awhile before you find anything.

[ckuhn003]

it's common practice to wait for 3 successful feedings before starting regular handling.

yes, do not handle until 48 hours after feeding. i also avoid handling the day of feeding if it can be helped.

go ahead and look for poop, but young beeps tend to hold on to their waste a lot longer than older ones so i could be awhile before you find anything.

Good info. I'll suffer through another 1-2 weeks for the betterment of the BP

Also, as for addressing cleaning needs, temp checks, etc.... is it wise to just put the BP in a plastic container while this is done? I'd like to consider reducing the stress as much as possible. I think last time, I put him in a plastic container and covered w/ a blanket.

[tttaylorrr]

Good info. I'll suffer through another 1-2 weeks for the betterment of the BP

Also, as for addressing cleaning needs, temp checks, etc.... is it wise to just put the BP in a plastic container while this is done? I'd like to consider reducing the stress as much as possible. I think last time, I put him in a plastic container and covered w/ a blanket.

you have many years ahead of you with him. 1-2 weeks is nothing.
yup, that's what i do. i have a 15qt tub i use (with air holes of course) as a holding pen while cleaning. i usually put one of their hides in with them so they can hide from me.

[Craiga 01453]

I know it's hard, but I also wait until 3 successful feedings before I do much handling. In the grand scheme of things, a few weeks is nothing when you think of all the weeks in 30 years.

[ckuhn003]

I know it's hard, but I also wait until 3 successful feedings before I do much handling. In the grand scheme of things, a few weeks is nothing when you think of all the weeks in 30 years.

I don't mind at all. Just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. I gotta say I saw him for the first time in all his glory cruising the enclosure tonight. I don't know if that means he's settling in or not. He seemed a little alarmed when he saw me walk in. I was actually thinking he might be in defensive mode since this is all foreign territory to him. Wondering if I'll have to hook train or bop him when I decide to pick him up to get him out of that defensive mode.

[elleon]

My bp wandered a bunch during the first couple weeks I had him (at night of course.) Now that he seems more settled in, I rarely ever see him! They say a hiding ball python is a happy one. I know the wait can be excruciating, but, as mentioned before, you will have many, many years with your noodle! Also, when you do finally get to start handling him, start out slow. Only hold him for maybe 15 minutes max, maybe a couple times in between feedings, so you can build up his trust. I still have a hard time putting my little guy back!

[ckuhn003]

My bp wandered a bunch during the first couple weeks I had him (at night of course.) Now that he seems more settled in, I rarely ever see him! They say a hiding ball python is a happy one. I know the wait can be excruciating, but, as mentioned before, you will have many, many years with your noodle! Also, when you do finally get to start handling him, start out slow. Only hold him for maybe 15 minutes max, maybe a couple times in between feedings, so you can build up his trust. I still have a hard time putting my little guy back!

Good advice. I must admit I'm still a little nervous and fearful reaching in and grabbing him so hopefully that will subside over time.

[Aerries]

Good advice. I must admit I'm still a little nervous and fearful reaching in and grabbing him so hopefully that will subside over time.

Something I've learned over the almost two years of having my BP Ramsey,
Do not show any hesitation or fear, they respect confidence...fear or jerky hands can make for an uncomfortable situation. My Pastel is aggressive and I'm in the process of trying to break that, he's nip at me a few times and actually got me once and I did not jerk back or flinch....he seemed to know I didn't scare easily and just calmed down and moved into his new enclosure I was trying to place him in. He has since tried to strike at me through the glass or anything.


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