How long until I can hold

[Mind_boy]

Hey guys, I've been posting a lot lately, and I want to hear your guy's personal opinion on this topic, how long until I can hold my BP. I got her Sunday, so it had been four days. She was so active the second day, so I tried feeding her a thawed mouse, and she took it with no delay, and it has now been 48 hours. The breeder I bought from said give her 4-5 days, but some people have said wait all the way until 2 weeks, and some people say after she has successfully eaten three meals. I would like it if you guys could share your opinions, and also your personal experiences. Many people say all snakes are different, and mine is very spunky and active, taking her first meal with no problems.

[MD_Pythons]

At least two days, but since you just got it I would hold off on handling until it takes a few more meals with you.

[Mind_boy]

So your opinion is two more weeks?

[tttaylorrr]

So your opinion is two more weeks?

3 successful feedings, which is 3 weeks on a 7-day schedule.

[MissterDog]

I'd personally wait until she's had three consecutive meals with you. I find that's the safest approach when dealing with a new hatchling. Some bps are not as prone to stress as others and don't mind handling sooner, but why risk your chances of having a consistent eater?

It will take a while to see what type of personality your bp has and how they fair with regular handling, five days is too soon to make that judgement. At the very least two weeks but I think going by number of successful meals is more important than how many days you've had her.

My guy is pretty chill and isn't bothered at all by handling. Could I have started handling him sooner when I got him and he still would have eaten? Probably, but I didn't know that then and at the time he was a much more shy eater( now he's a beast lol). I'm glad I waited when I did and not mess up my chances.

Patience is a virtue!

[Mind_boy]

Yeah, patience is a virtue, hehehe

[zina10]

It all depends on what you consider "handling".

I would absolutely NOT do a long, drawn out handling session just yet.

2 days after eating (or later), you can give her a quick "look over" while you clean the enclosure. Or weigh her to keep up with your records. Just keep it short and sweet, handle gently but deliberately (seems to calm them).

I would work my way up from there. I haven't really handled young ones for more then a few minutes here and there. I pick them up or check up on them often, but do not carry them around with me.

Then, after a few weeks of short handling, you can stretch those times out somewhat. By then the snake should have developed a sense of "trust" and "routine" and will be less stressed by it.

I don't ever handle for more then 30 minutes or so, not even my adults. I handle often, but for shorter periods. I also check on all of them at least once the day. By now they know "the deal" and are quite calm about it

[KevinK]

I think people here are steering you in the right direction. BP's are prone to stress and it can affect their feeding habits easily. Now, consider a new habitat and transport home greatly adds to that stress level already. They are a snake that almost always remains calm and docile their entire life so although it's tempting....very tempting....there is no need whatsoever to rush and handle.

Now, I would argue that other species should actually be held sooner due to agressive natures and/or potential adult sizes where its utterly crucial to have a tame adult.....but ball pythons?....you should absolutely wait for consecutive feedings (as other have said correctly). Less is more when it comes to handling BP's from what Ive run into.

[CALM Pythons]

Everyone has given the correct protocol. With that said some snakes ( Healthy well bred) seem to be ok within a week of their new home. Both of my snakes ate right away, explored at night and I let them crawl up onto my arm when they were out and about in the enclosure 2 days after the first meal. If they would have been defensive or nervous acting I wouldn't of done that. You can judge a bit yourself and use common sense. Also i only handled them a max of 5 min not a long time about EOD. I kept them in my hands/lap, they dont want to be put down and in a vulnerable position out in the open at this point.


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[Mind_boy]

Ok, thx for all the help