Preparing for first snake and had some questions.

[Jmarshall]

So I will get my first ball python this upcoming Monday. My plan was to introduce him and let his get acclimated for the first week without handling at all. I would check his tub daily to make sure it’s clean, give water, spot clean but just let him be. I was thinking I would feed him the following wed. I would feed him whatever the breeder was feeding whether that be live, f/t, whatever and then was hoping to handle for the first time that weekend. Does all of this seem appropriate? He weighs roughly 100 grams so he is a little guy. I figured if I let him acclimate 10 days before feeding he should eat for me no problem. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[RickyNY]

I would feed him twice before handling. Wait 3 days after his last meal and take him out... for a short time (10 minutes). Be calm and move slowly. After the 10 minutes, put him back.

Are you getting a baby ball python?

[Jmarshall]

Yes. He weighs about 100 grams.

[RickyNY]

Then you probably will be feeding him every 5-7 days and you want to handle him once or twice in between meals (once if you're feeding every 5 days). Remember not to over handle or he could go off feed.
Good luck!

[Sunnieskys]

I also agree with the two feeding. You have 30+ years with your snake so there really is no rush.

[Jmarshall]

Okay, so two feedings before handling him. Can I wait 10 days before first feeding or should I do it earlier? I wanted to get him on a schedule and Wed evening works best for me..

[Zincubus]

Okay, so two feedings before handling him. Can I wait 10 days before first feeding or should I do it earlier? I wanted to get him on a schedule and Wed evening works best for me..

I'd say wait 10 days just so there's a better chance of him eating on your first attempt

Then every 5 or 7 days ..


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[Jmarshall]

That’s what I was thinking. Thank you.

[Slicercrush]

First off, welcome to the forum!

Yea, about 10 days before offering first feed will be a good idea. After that, I usually say try to make sure he has 2-3 successful feedings before starting the handling process. Do you have the cage, heating, etc in order yet? I usually try to get that stable a few days before receiving or transferring a snake.

You owe me pictures when he arrives!

[Jmarshall]

First off, welcome to the forum!

Yea, about 10 days before offering first feed will be a good idea. After that, I usually say try to make sure he has 2-3 successful feedings before starting the handling process. Do you have the cage, heating, etc in order yet? I usually try to get that stable a few days before receiving or transferring a snake.

You owe me pictures when he arrives!

I will be getting tub set up tomorrow and holdin off to have him shipped u til Monday. I will take those 5 days to make sure everything is set ups while monitoring temps humidity. Have a single tub inside enclosed single rack (tgr rack)with thermostat and heat tape. Going to keep him in the freedom breeder 10 until he gets large enough to move to animal plastics t8. I’ve been doing A LOT of research on husbandry so I’ll be prepared when he gets here.

and I will make sure to post lots of pictures!