Adjustment time

[MedusasOwl]

I know snakes who've been mailed especially need time to adjust and recover from their trip. For Falkor, we gave 3 days as recommended and I've read that BPs need 2 weeks! How long do you guys recommend as far as just letting Gomez be and letting him settle in? Do you have a process that you follow with new snakes? We want this to be as low stress as possible for the little guy.

[daniel1983]

A week with no disturbances......then after two successful feeding....I usually handle. One of the best indicators of ball python stress is its appetite....it it eats well, then it is most likely not stressed....but if it is not eating, give it some time alone and make sure it feels secure. Did that answer your question?

[frankykeno]

Just a note about handling...some take to it well, others don't. We're finding with our bp's though if we make it low stress it seems to work really well. Things like handling in the evening when they are more naturally active, making sure the transition from enclosure to hand and back to enclosure is very quiet and smooth, giving the snake a moment to know you are there and establishing habits and routines so they get to recognize they are about to be lifted from their "home"....seems to help even our most stubborn snake Brannagh to accept handling better.

It's the hardest part of getting in a new snake to leave it be for that first week and even then to keep handling to a minimum while you establish a good feeding pattern. Believe me, everyone here will know how you folks feel. We all go through it every single time we get a snake no matter how many we already own....the "itching to touch" syndrome LOL.

It'll pass quick enough though and you'll have a lovely snake for all your efforts I'm quite sure. Oh and don't forget the irrestible urge to get more royal pythons and the raging case of obsessive-compulsive disorder free with every snake purchased!


~~Jo~~

[jglass38]

While a week or more being left alone except for cleaning is ideal, I would just see how he reacts to his new environment and the stress of shipping. He may be perfectly fine in a couple of days and ready to eat and then a couple days later, ready for a short handling session. I would just play it by ear! Oh by the way, I can send along some obsessive compulsive disorder if you need some! Oops, time to check the thermometers again!!

[frankykeno]

I'd make fun of Jamie's raging OCD but I'm far too busy checking to see who pooped, who didn't poop, who ate, who didn't eat, whose in shed and why isn't that other snake in shed and obsessively staring at a spot on Rionach that might (or might not be) something I need to (or perhaps don't need to) worry about.....................


~~Jo~~

[jglass38]

I'd make fun of Jamie's raging OCD but I'm far too busy checking to see who pooped, who didn't poop, who ate, who didn't eat, whose in shed and why isn't that other snake in shed and obsessively staring at a spot on Rionach that might (or might not be) something I need to (or perhaps don't need to) worry about.....................


~~Jo~~

We are a scary group of people...

[MedusasOwl]

lol! You guys crack me up. If there's anything people *should* be OCD about, it's taking care of their critters. Cool, we'll just take it slow and play it by ear. It's Gomez's show, and we'll pay close attention to what he wants and needs. /(^v^)\

[jglass38]

lol! You guys crack me up. If there's anything people *should* be OCD about, it's taking care of their critters. Cool, we'll just take it slow and play it by ear. It's Gomez's show, and we'll pay close attention to what he wants and needs. /(^v^)\

I have no doubt in my mind! He will be ready to go a week from tomorrow. He will probably eat on Wednesday so it will give him a full 5 days and an empty belly to travel. He has been eating every 5 days or every 7. I like to switch it up with all my snakes.

[MedusasOwl]

Okay great! I'm axious to get his set up together asap! I haven't heard from Matt yet, so I might panic and get a more typical UTH later this week.

[jglass38]

Matt should be able to get you set up. Give him a call tomorrow if you don't hear. He is very good about getting back to people but the holiday season is nutty! You only need to have it set up long enough to stabilize the temperature on the hot side to 90-94. Shouldnt take more than a day to get things in place.