New Ball Pythons Handling

[gozetec02]

As some of you may know i bought a new little ball python and was wondering about handling him. My wife loves this little guy and want to handle him all the time. I told her if she wants to get him out she should do it in the evening. I am a little confused about this. Since he is in a new home should i give him some time and not handle him. He seems to like it because he doesnt ball up when my wife picks him up and he flicks his tounge and is active.

Everyone's opinion would be greatly appreciated.

[JLC]

The general rule of thumb is to give them at least a week to settle in with absolutely no handling, and not even going into the cage except to provide fresh water. Some people play it very safe and don't handle their snakes until they have taken two or three meals in a row. And I'm sure there are some snakes out there that really don't mind being handled, even from the start. You really can't know how your snake feels until you try to feed it. If it feels secure enough to eat...then great! If it refuses its food, then you'll know that it probably needs more time to itself to get accustomed to its new home.

One rule you need to be sure and follow is NO handling for at least 24 hours after a meal...better yet, 48 hours...no matter how laid back a snake seems to be.

[sniperman48]

sorry to get your thread off topic but have any of you seen the boondock saints?? cause in the beging they talk about where the phrase rule of thumb came from and one of the guys gets kicked in in unmentionables for it.... hehehe.. sorry once again for invading your thread..

[Smulkin]

Dead-on Judy - our newest is downright EAGER to get out and spend time checking us out, and it's a really difficult exercise in self-control not to indulge her, but we holding off another day until she gets a chance to digest her food a wee bit more - especially since she has just made her first move from live to f/t.

[JamminJonah]

I played the cautious keeper and waited until he had eaten twice. I think it was a good plan to let him settle in first as he has yet to not eat for me.

-sniperman - boondock is one of my all time fav's and dafoe is amazing in it

[Ginevive]

I'd refrain from handling for awhile. Maybe let the snake settle in until he takes 2 or 3 meals without hassle. I just got my new girl a week ago today, and I am restraining myself from handling her yet. Trust me, I would love to be holding this little cutie! But in the long run, I think it'll be better if I let her acclimate and feel secure before I go meddling with her.