I would usually wait 1-2 weeks after getting a new snake. I got a ball python 5 days ago and i had to redo his cage to add a Accurite thermometer and I took him out for about 15 minutes and he was balled up for a while then started exploring. Then I tried feeding him a f/t a few hours later for the first time and he ate. Every snake is different just do what works for the individual snake.