No handling 'til he eats...

[blueberrypancakes]

I have a policy of no handling until I have one successful feeding.
I have had my pinstripe for a little over a month now, and he still hasn't eaten for me.
Is this a good policy, or an unnecessary one? If he's well acclimated to his new environment, should I continue to wait for him to eat? It's that time again, I'm gonna try again tonight... I wanna get him out sooo bad! Hahaha...

[dereklondon24]

Lol I would be way to impatient for that policy honestly


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.863215,-76.206279
1.0 normal bp- Blitz
1.0 Nicaraguan boa- Gavin
0.1 Red Tail Boa- Tara

[Skittles1101]

I don't know, is it a baby or an adult? If it's a baby, it's probably not eating due to stress, and handling would only make it worse...if it's an adult and it's do to breeding season, then go for it.

[blueberrypancakes]

He's a year and a half, I think it might be breeding season that is hampering his appetite, although what do I know...? He doesn't seem to be showing the indicators for stress- he doesn't shy away from his meals, he just doesn't want them. Hmmm... if he doesn't eat tonight, I may go ahead and start handling anyway.

[Skittles1101]

If he's over like 700 grams or so I'd assume it's him thinking he's gettin' some and should be safe to handle lol.

[SlitherinSisters]

I think it's a great policy. You should never bee handling a snake that isn't eating, it just causes even more stress. Make sure your tank/tub is set up perfectly. Usually the culprit is the snake not feeling secure in the enclosure. Make sure there isn't a lot of open space, if you need to move it to a smaller enclosure do it. The hides need to be really snug, the snake should have to ball up and be a little squished inside. You can also put crumpled newspaper in the enclosure and inside the hide to help fill up the open space. I do that will all my new babies and hatchlings.

[Slim]

Sounds like it might be a case of the breeding season blues. He's not a Juvie anymore, I don't think a quick handle is going to make it any worse.