How long to leave new snake undisturbed before handling regularly

[Jamie]

We pick up our first baby BP tomorrow and my kids want to hear your opinions about how long you would recommend we leave the newbie alone (in a completely new enclosure) before we can start handling the snake regularly.

[RetiredJedi]

It is said to leave them alone for a week...7 days I guess.

[Kinra]

The advice varies. Some people say a week, some people say 2 weeks. Some people go by feedings. I wait until they've eaten once or twice before I start handling them outside of cage cleaning. It sounds like your snake won't be shipped so it may settle in faster, but they are all different. I've had a BP eat for me the day it arrived after being shipped half way across the US. Then I've had the BP that took 3 weeks before she would start eating.

[angllady2]

As hard as it will be, you have to wait one full week. Seven whole days. After that seven days, offer your new snake food. It should eat for you, this step is very important! If the baby does not eat, wait another five days and try again.

This is going to be a very rough few weeks for you, but believe me it is necessary for your happiness and the snakes. Once the baby eats for you, wait 48 hours after feeding to being handling.

Start out slow, only about 10 minutes at a time. And make sure the baby doesn't get passed around too much. You can handle the baby two or maybe three times in a day, but only for the 10 minutes at a time.

As the baby grows and eats and sheds and does all the normal things a happy healthy snake does, you can increase handling to 15 minutes, then 20. I try not to handle any of mine for longer than 20 minutes. They tend to get restless and antsy after that period, and accidents are more likely to occur.

Best of wishes to you and your family on your future pet. I think you will be very happy.

gale

[R&DP]

As hard as it will be, you have to wait one full week. Seven whole days. After that seven days, offer your new snake food. It should eat for you, this step is very important! If the baby does not eat, wait another five days and try again.

This is going to be a very rough few weeks for you, but believe me it is necessary for your happiness and the snakes. Once the baby eats for you, wait 48 hours after feeding to being handling.

Start out slow, only about 10 minutes at a time. And make sure the baby doesn't get passed around too much. You can handle the baby two or maybe three times in a day, but only for the 10 minutes at a time.

As the baby grows and eats and sheds and does all the normal things a happy healthy snake does, you can increase handling to 15 minutes, then 20. I try not to handle any of mine for longer than 20 minutes. They tend to get restless and antsy after that period, and accidents are more likely to occur.

Best of wishes to you and your family on your future pet. I think you will be very happy.

gale

X2 All animals have different personalities, I would give a shy snake a little more time. Outgoing snakes seem to adjust a little faster.

[iHAZreptiles]

Depends on your snake. My baby BP ate the day after I got him and ate perfectly fine. I got him from a pet store and they were feeding him pinkies, I gave him a small mouse about the size of his girth and he ate it immediately. He was probably happy to have a good meal. Anyways I waited 2 days after he ate before I handled him because I got the OK from somebody here. He seems to like me and was glad to get out his tank But make sure you don't do it too long on the first handling and make it longer and longer each day, and start by trying to handle in the evening when he/she is active.

[RetiredJedi]

Well, since the OP stated that it is their first BP, what is a good starting point?

[Jamie]

I think we'll get her home, snap a couple pictures, then put her in her new home and leave her alone for a week (escept tending the tank). Then we'll feed her, wait a couple days, and then see how she reacts to some quick interactions.

Thanks for the help all.

[RetiredJedi]

I think we'll get her home, snap a couple pictures, then put her in her new home and leave her alone for a week (escept tending the tank). Then we'll feed her, wait a couple days, and then see how she reacts to some quick interactions.

Thanks for the help all.

Sounds like a great plan. Keep us posted we like to know how it goes.