When to handle new Ball Python?

[Arcapello]

With a young and new animal in your possession the best thing to do is to start handling when the animal is well settled and has ate 3 to 5 time consecutively for you.

So I should wait until he's eaten 3-5 times, and then start handling him?

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I got mine three weeks ago, fed him once after he'd been with us a week, and then waited two days. I still only handle him for around ten minutes at a time, but he seems to enjoy being able to explore his new surroundings. That worked pretty well for me. Good luck with your new pet!

Thanks! That's what I was thinking I would do, but there's so much conflicting information out there.

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You've heard my opinion via PM already, but I'll share with everyone.

I'd wait at LEAST until after the first feeding. I know how hard it is to resist handling a new snake, and I myself am guilty of handling a snake before its eaten a few times for me.

If you are going to handle your snake before it's eating consistently then keep the handling sessions short. A couple minutes here and there shouldn't do any harm. If your snake isn't eating for you every week, cut the handling until its eating again.

Most ball pythons are fine with handling, but there are some that get very stressed and it can cause them to go off feed. You don't want this to happen if its a baby.

He was born in early 2012, and I'm thinking I'll wait a day or two after feeding. It's interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on the subject.