Wow, we really messed up.

[Pyrate81]

Take a deep breath and let it out. Everything is ok. Wooo sahhh. You've explained the situation and have been given advice to move forward.

You didn't kill the little guy nor did you injure him. He did get a nice dose of stress, but he will calm down. Plus you are making things proper.

The main reason he was probably agitated was the heat, IMO.

With all the activity and moving from one area of the house to another, it did cause stress. I've seen caged animals which were moved from one location to another in a house or room become more active for around a week. They are exploring the new scenery. Some animals do it, others don't. I moved a snake into a bigger enclosure last weekend and got another snake to put into that snake's old home. The one moved around the tank for a couple days then settled in one spot, the other has been picking a different spot every day to hang out in. I'd equate it to a human moving into a new neighborhood and finding the local gas station/convenience store/bar etc.

Aside from the newspaper idea, I would give the little guy a week before you handle him again so he settles down completely(this is how I would do it, I did see crazymonkee mention a few days which will probably fine as well). It looks like you will get a bigger enclosure for him so when you move him this is how I would do it(if anyone thinks this this isn't a viable idea, please chime in):

1. Set up the new enclosure, making sure the temps are right and everything is how you want it/he should have it.
2. Pull him out for a light handling session. Perhaps 10-15 minutes.
3. Put him in his new enclosure.
4. Give him another week before handling again so he settles in. You may see him cruise around his new place for a few days, he is getting accustomed to his new home.


Good luck with the new little guy. Welcome to the forum and welcome to the addiction.