Originally Posted by stevebidw
Hey all, I purchased a new bp a week ago. I spent the first few days researching my a@# off about proper husbandry. Now that I'm finally comfortable that my set up is adequate for a happy and healthy snake, I have a few other questions.
1.) How can I tell the sex of the snake?
Two methods used such as probing or "popping". I'm not experienced in either method, so I'd rather get that done by a vet, or an experienced snake handler. And I wouldn't risk hurting your snake if you've never done it before. But you can always watch videos on youtube to see how other's determine the sex of a snake.
2.) How long should one typically wait before offering food for the first time?
At least a week after you've received your BP. Let your BP get acclimated/adjusted to it's environment for a week. And that requires you not touching/holding/etc. your BP for that amount of time. You don't want to have stressed snake, because a stressed snake won't eat. Then after a week, you can setup your feeding schedule. And offer your BP a mice/rat that is appropriate for his/her size.
3.) When getting ready to feed him, is it normal to have to remove him from his hide or should I wait until he comes out on his own. I know from reading other posts that dusk and dawn are the best feeding times, but just need to know if its cool to just pull him out from the hide before feeding?
BP's at least with mine, can and will stay in their hide as long as they feel. You can't get your snake out of his/her hide unless you physically lifted the hide and took your BP out. They love being in their hides, it makes them feel safe and secure all the time.
Well BP's are nocturnal and active during the night. I've had no issue's feeding my BP during the day/afternoon. He isn't bothered/stressed by it. Only takes a few seconds for him to strike, constrict, then begins swallowing. And back in his enclosure he goes, and stays in his hide to hang out. Oh yah, after feeding you must leave them alone for at least 48hrs. So that they can digest their food, since they have slow metabolisms. Safety precaution as well, if your BP has food in it's stomach. And if they become stressed they can regurgitate their food. Which can be life threatening to them and is definitely bad for their health. Pretty much avoid any handling of your BP when it has food in its stomach. Except for the few seconds that it takes to transfer your BP back in their enclosure. If your feeding in a separate area, which is what I do.
Also wanted to thank those that have helped me with my husbandry issues. This site has been a terrific find! My BP (Nigel) and I both appreciate your
feedback.
Good luck! And keep us posted!
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