questions after my first feeding

[greg.s]

I had my first feeding with my male ball python last night. it was successful and he is my first snake. however, I am wondering about some things:

1. Regurgitation. if it were to happen, when would it typically happen? I have no intention on handling my snake for at least 72 hrs. i understand 48 is ok, but i am being extra cautious.

2. is 72 hrs. enough? is 48? I apologize but i just do not want any issues.

3. i was really pumped when he ate for me. i did what everyone here said to as far as not stressing them out. but i know there may come a time he may not eat for me. when can i expect this? a breeding season? what time of year? assuming everything else is ok as far as temps and humidity, what else would cause it? I'm just preparing myself mentally so I'm not overly freaking out. i know its not one size fit all with this care taking but if there is a time of year they do not eat it will help me.

thank you all

[nikkubus]

48 is generally good and where the risk of regurge passes. It can happen after that with certain digestive issues but shouldn't.

They can fast any time. Many things can cause it, but mostly temperature fluctuation. They are more likely to do it during the later half of breeding season (late spring/early summer) for a male. Females do it slightly later in the year generally speaking but not too far off from males.

[KMG]

Being a new snake I would say 72 hours would be good. Give it some time to get used to you and you to it. After that 48 is typical. But as for handling and causing a regurg that shouldn't happen it the snake trust you, has proper husbandry, and is not feeling stressed. I have had to handle snakes the night of feeding and the day after feeding and have never had an issue.... But I didn't stress them. I also was not holding them just to hold them. For that I wait 48 hours.

As for a fast my Ball is over 10 and has only done that once. That once being more than just a week or three. That one time I really consider a fast was almost six months with only one rat during that time. When though? Nobody can tell you. May never happen or may happen several times during it's life.

[greg.s]

if it comes to the point that food is rejected, is it recommended to attempt the next scheduled feeding? or should it be skipped? assuming everything is ok with husbandry of course. I am just concerned with waste of animal/life/food.

[KMG]

if it comes to the point that food is rejected, is it recommended to attempt the next scheduled feeding? or should it be skipped? assuming everything is ok with husbandry of course. I am just concerned with waste of animal/life/food.

If the snake is a nice healthy weight waiting another week would be just fine....even more.