Quarantining an Older/Adult Snake

[Bogertophis]

He is currently in a 3' x 2' x 1' enclosure, in what sounds like in a rack system, but I'm not positive. I think I will go with a plastic tub and drill approximately one million holes in it; Snake Discovery did this for Western hognoses, and in Dusty Rhoads' book, he mentions using the plastic tubs will holes drilled or adding a screen top to it. I will try this, but will monitor him and get a glass tank if I need to. I just can't find anything big enough that wouldn't cost me at least five hundred dollars because of the size I would need, and I just can't justify that for a temporary enclosure.

So, a follow-up question I was thinking about: I know with new snakes, you are supposed to leave them alone (meaning, not socialize them) until they have eaten three times. Is this just a general rule to not stress any age of snake out and allow them to adjust, or is it a recommendation for younger snakes so that they are less stressed and can become established eaters? This guy sounds a little like he doesn't get out to play much, but also seems outgoing. Honestly, I'm really excited to have my ideal snake and would want to interact with him. Is it okay to interact with him if he appears to want to come out and explore, for example, before than three-week time period is up? If he is shy, I would definitely err on the side of leaving him alone, though, and want to give him as smooth of a transition as I can.

But, like, I have a hard time believing you all really leave your new snakes alone for three weeks, lol. My fiance's Japanese rat snake (he is 2 years old but we have had him only about 6 weeks) was given one week of alone time but, since then, has had socialization time every other day or so (excluding once he eats; then it's usually like a three- or four-day gap), and is super outgoing, but we may have just gotten lucky with a very tolerant snake who forgave our ignorance of the "three week no socialization" rule.

I think a "tub with a million holes" for a temporary set-up would be fine. I agree that expense is a valid consideration under the circumstances.

This snake was handled often for public interaction? Is the previous owner the only one? As a rule, older snakes can be more upset by being re-homed, but they don't all follow the rule, especially if this snake was handled & got more "social time" than most do.

IF this snake feeds easily for you after a week, I'd play it by ear...see how he acts. Most rat snakes are not as shy as BPs- they're naturally more outgoing & this TP probably is also. I think you can trust your hunches on this one.