So I've crossed over to the Dark side...

[BroknBusted]

Just became a proud owner of a beautiful 2 month old female BP. I will post pics later of her. I was told she is a normal, but the lady I got him from said there was something unique in her markings but I don't recall what she had meant. I owned a BP when I was WAY younger, but it has been decades since I have had any snakes. I am still a bit nerveous about her becoming settled in.

Anyway, I brought her home Thursday. She has a new cage, but from reading this sites forums, I see I need to do some changes to it. It currently has a under the tank heater, a day light and a nite lite, a hide, water bowl and a nie climb. I realize now I need to get a thermostat and a better thermometer and humidty gauge.

So, I was told she eats every 2 weeks one live pinky and Friday was her day to eat. I hadn't found this site yet and didn't realize about acculmating her for a week. So I did hold her on Thursday and Friday, even though I realize now I shouldn't have handled her until she settled in. Friday she was out of her hide when I got home so I put in the pinky and within seconds she took it ( and I realize now I got lucky she did and doesn't seem to have issues eating!).

Since Friday, she pretty much stayed in the hide. Last night she was out for about an hour or so. She seems to be doing well and adjusting without any issues I can tell of.

I am concerned however over a couple of things.

First, is it usual for BP's to remain "inactive" a few days after feeding?

Second, I can not get her set up with a thermostat until later this week. Her tank temp has been mostly at 85ish. However, I have had short periods where the temo has dropped to 72-75ish for about half hour at a time ( when changing her water, checking on her when she wasn't coming out of her hide). Will short drops in temp like that affect them?

Third, is feeding her every two weeks to long in between feeds? I've seen on here people who say feed evey 3-5 days and once a week. Like I said, when I did feed her, she didn't wait more then 30 seconds when she went for the pinky.

Fourth, what is a good weight for a 2 month old? I would like to mointor her weight and planned on weighing her starting next week.

And lastly, how often do you guys handle yours? I have read that you can stress them by handling them to often. She is VERY friendly. The times I have handled her, she has wrapped herself around my wrist and looks like a snake wrist watch! No issuses with her trying to get away from me or biting or anything that seems like she does not like being handled. In fact, when I go to put her back in her tank, she doesn't seem to want to let go. When she does get in, she either goes right to her hide or goes to drink.

Lastly, I want to say this site is the BEST I have found in researching BP's. I am very impressed the knowledge base that is shown on here and look forward to being a part of the community!!

Jay