Handling my new ball python??

[sean12wilk]

I just got my first ball python today. He is a six week old male. I want to know how often I can handle him. I fed him today so I know I'm not going to handle him for at least 48 hours. I've heard many different things about handling. "Once or twice a week" "As much as you want as long as they don't get stressed" I just want to know how often you guys handle yours. Thanks.

[KMG]

Leave it be for this first week as it gets used to its new home. After that start with short sessions a couple times a week and as time goes on and your snake is dealing with you fine and not showing signs of stress start to increase the time and frequency of handling. I would say start off about 15 minutes at first and gradually go up.

Now I handle mine whenever I want and hold them as long as I like but its usually no more than an hour. My big blood probably gets to hang out the longest as she never gets into explore mode like most of the rest.

I usually do not handle on feed day or the two days after as a general rule.

[sean12wilk]

So i got him on sunday and fed him that day. i handled hime for about 10 minutes on monday night. he seemed fine, inquisitive and moved around. ive only had him for 3 days. he seems fine when I check his tub and doesnt seem to mind being handled. am i doing anything wrong? i dont want to stress him out but if i can i want to handle him.

[Alexjp127]

No, Your fine. He's ate the first day which is pretty uncommon but totally a good thing. I tend to only handle my snakes when they come out of their hides. I try to keep the hides as their safe place.

Overall you're doing great keep it up and make sure he's got temp gradient and two hides some water and youre golden.

[sean12wilk]

Thanks! I don't currently have a hide on the cool side, but when I get home I'll make one and put it in there.