So I finally am the proud keeper of a ball python. My enclosure is set up according to care sheet instructions. I have to get a dimmmer for my uth asap though, just read about that
My BP is a juvy, just got her last Thursday. I got her at a pet store, which had her for abuot a week. She had been offered food but had not eaten. I have not attempted to feed her as she is plump and I know giving her time to adjust to her new home is important.
What I am curious about is her and I getting to know eachother.
I've read conflicting things about how long to leave them alone in thier new homes before handling them to get to know eachother.
When I first put her in her enclosure she explored it for a couple of hours. Since then she has been tightly coiled in one of her hides and has not come out since late Thursday night. That's only three days now really.
I really want our relationship to get off on a good footing so I'm asking for advice from those of you who have done this all before.
How long should I leave her a lone before attempting to handle her again?

Will she come out of that tight space on her own or should I try to pry her, gently out at some point? when? if at all...

Is it possible she could stay in there long enough to put herself at risk of poor health, e.g. not eating enough, not having access to water?

When should I first offer her a feed?

Thanks so much!
I know these questions have probably all been asked a million times. I scrolled thru the husbandry forum and read many of the answers to several posts but didn't get clear answers to what I think my questions are. Sorry if there a terrible repeats.

Eileithya's keeper.