Questions, Questions????????

[snake momma]

I will be gettimg my new BP tomorrow. However, this is my first BP ever and I have few questions. He/she hasn't eaten since October,shoyld I still attempt to handle him? If so how soon and how many times a day. Also, he is in a 26 gallon tank and is a 4ft. , normal ball python, should I gey a bigger habitat.

[Mikoh4792]

Minimum I would give to an adult ball python is 3x2 floor space, preferably 4x2.
26 gallon is enough to keep him alive, considering people keep and breed ball pythons in cb70 racks.

I always choose not to really handle my new acquisitions until they've fed twice.

[Lankyrob]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

Minimum I would give to an adult ball python is 3x2 floor space, preferably 4x2.
26 gallon is enough to keep him alive, considering people keep and breed ball pythons in cb70 racks.

I always choose not to really handle my new acquisitions until they've fed twice.

All this, 4x2 is my minimum size for a bp

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Mikoh4792

I always choose not to really handle my new acquisitions until they've fed twice.

By this I mean I'll handle them if I need to take them out for cleaning(changing substrate...etc)

[Tsubaki]

For two feedings i do not see why you would have to clean the substrate, feed it twice and spot-clean if necessary. Don't bother it for at least 2 weeks so it can settle down. So no handling, no lifting up hides to peek etc. If it still has not eaten after those 2 weeks, keep the bothering to a minimum until he does.

And about your question, how many times A Day?? Not even a healthy snake should not be handled every day, especially not several times a day. If you must handle him, try to keep it to once a week. But not untill he has taken to food regularly. You are not doing the animal any pleasure by doing it more often, i only handle my snakes when necessary.

Have fun with your new snake! Hope he will eat soon

[Mikoh4792]

Originally Posted by Tsubaki

For two feedings i do not see why you would have to clean the substrate, feed it twice and spot-clean if necessary. Don't bother it for at least 2 weeks so it can settle down. So no handling, no lifting up hides to peek etc. If it still has not eaten after those 2 weeks, keep the bothering to a minimum until he does.

Aimed for those who use paper substrate. You don't want feces and urine laying around the enclosure for two weeks.

[Tsubaki]

True, good point. I never use paper so that would not have crossed my mind.

[snake momma]

I handle my garter snakes 2 times a day everyday