When should I handle my ball python?

[Copythatpasste]

I just got my ball python to eat yesterday I know I have to wait about 2-3 days before handling but I don't wanna stress my snake out by handling. Will it stress my snake by handling?


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[jbzapanda]

In my experience 48 hours is probably the safest bet to wait to handle. Keep handling to a minimum for now (5-10min) and he should be fine. You'll get to learn your snake's quirks and you'll soon be able to tell when he's uncomfortable. At least that's how it is for me and my noodle

[Yzmasmom]

If you just got the snake, the general rule of thumb is to leave it completely alone (besides water changes and spot cleaning,) for an entire week. Not even food.
Then, after a week, offer the first meal. If the eats, wait another 2-3 meals (feeding once every 7 days,) and then wait 48 hours after the last meal before handling. Yes, it means no handling the new snake for 3 to 4 weeks. I just did it with my second girl. Not easy, but worth it since you want them to be happy.
Start with 5 minutes once or twice a week and slowly lengthen the time.
Handling before they've had a week to settle and eat a few meals just sets the snake up for stress and even making it go off food.

If it's a new snake and that was it's first meal, I'd still wait.