When can I start handling my snake?

[daver676]

Good day to all!

So I've had my ball python for over two weeks now. I have been careful not to handle him at all, just to move him when I'm replacing the paper towels in his tank. He has yet to eat anything since we have had him, but I'm not getting frustrated cause I know pythons can be picky eaters. If it matters, he has also pooped once since I got him.

Anyways, can I begin to handle him now? It's been over two weeks. Or should I wait till he starts eating?

Thanks

Dave

[killaclown]

yea you can hold him nowi hjold mine after one

[tHeGiNo]

I would wait until he starts eating before handling, obviously to decrease stress. Did you try the bag trick?

[JeffT]

Dont worry about it, I am a new Ball Python owner too. I got mine about 2 months ago and he has eaten once. Other than that hes very active, loves a soak in the tub and friendly.

[Colonel SB]

I'd leave him be unitl he eats regularily.

[CyberGhost]

It's okay to handle him about once every 3 days or so then incesingly more. Dont want to stress em out to much I would hope he starts eating soon because usually they fast in winter though two weeks is't that long at all. But if it goes more then two or three months I would seek out vet assistants if its a baby shorter then that but keep offering food anywyas. If it wont eat F/t try live pinkies or fuzzies or try recently or stunned I dont know how old the snake is but hope thios helps just dont feed live with anything over a jumper and I dont recomend doing so with a jumper. Hope your snake gets happy and starts eating. Bps are the worst about going on fast.

[tHeGiNo]

Dont want to stress em out to much I would hope he starts eating soon because usually they fast in winter though two weeks is't that long at all.

Yes, but hatchlings do not usually follow this pattern of fasting during the winter. I still say wait until he eats just so your sure.

[CyberGhost]

Is ut a hatchling, liek I said I didt know the age I was just posting the usual patterns of Bps I dont know the age. But if he waits to long it will be harder to tame the snake escpeccialy if its older.

[daver676]

It is a baby ball (approx 2 1/2 - 3 month old)

JeffT,

What did your ball finally eat, and how did you prepare it?

[tHeGiNo]

Cyber, it is a ball python so really taming isn't an issue. Try over night leaving him in a bag with a dead rat pup.

[Solid Snake]

i've had my ball python for almost a month and he ate 6 times! i handled him after the first feed which was the 4th day i got him.

[Linds]

I agree with Colonel SB, let him be until he begins to feed for you :) What is the history on your ball? What have you tried? Has he fed on prekilled or f/t before, if not you may have to get him started on live and switch him over...

[Colonel SB]

Exactly my thoughts Linds, BP's are notorius for not feeding and the main reason 60% is people can't wait. I've worked in the retail aspect of the herp trade for 7 years now and ppl just can't keep thier hands off. Give him time to settle in, it should be like that with any herp leave it be for 2 weeks to get used to it's new settings, look at it this way what if it was you. I bet you would not be too hungy if some one moved you to a new country with no warning and them bugged ya every day...Sorry for takin so long but it is important.

[daver676]

Captive born, feeding on f/t rat pups at the reptile store. I've had him for 3 weeks now. I've tried feeding twice. Once was a f/t fuzzy, other time was f/t rat pup. Seems very interested both times, but didn't take.

I plan on trying the bag thing next, but am unsure of how to go about it. I know I should use a paper bag or a pillow case. How big should it be? Should I put it in the hot or cool side of the enclosure?

Temperature on cool side sits between 75-78. Warm side around 84-86, basking between 90-92. Humidity average around 50%.

The snake is very active. He routinely comes out in the morning when I'm getting ready for work, and in the evening, usually around 11:00 or so. He seems very intent on ecsaping his enclosure.

Dave

[tHeGiNo]

Hey davey, you are making a mountain out of a molehill here :D All you have to do is put any size bag, a paper bag works perfectly, throw a rat in and leave the snake alone for a few days. Also, when you say you tried, he looked interested, did you try feeding by hand? Or did you leave the mouse in the cage. If you held the feeder item, that could be the problem right there. Anyhow just try the bag trick.