Everyone will tell you something different. I have handled them 10 min after they swallowed a jumbo rat and never had a problem. Some people have had them regurge 2-3 days after eating. I believe it comes down to the individual personality of the snake. i wouldn't recommend handling ten min after mind you. Ur asking for your fingers to be the second course. i simply put that in there to show snakes are like anyone else. they all have different personalities and pet peeves.