I got a new ball python, when can I hold it?

Question

Hey everybody :D

I got a new ball python, the pet store said hes about 4-5 months old. I got him this afternoon. He is avidly exploring his tank when hes not hiding in his hide box, and I was wonddering how long do i have to wait to handle him/her? I handled him at the pet store and he was fine, but i realize this is a new envirorment for him. Thanks a ton! (He ate last thursday so should be ok regurgitation wise)

Thanks

Answer 1

wait about 7 days to let your snake settle in to his new environment and then feed your snake.  feed him/her in a feeding tub.  get a plastic box, large enough for your snake to fit in it comfortably.  get the short boxes…the box should be about the height to go under a bed.  drill several small holes along the sides at the top for airflow.  put the snake in and then put his food in.  after your snake has eaten give him about 20 minutes or so to get the food down and then put him back up in his house.  give him 24 hours to digest the food a bit before you handle him.  after that start handling the snake about 15 - 20 minutes a day and then gradually build up.  now i get my ball pythons out for a couple of hours.

Answer 2

you can hold him now they doesnt take to long to settle in

Answer 3

I would say give the snake a day or two to settle in. After that your python should be fine. Then handle your python as often as you can so the python could get used to you. But just keep it in mind that it is not a good idea to hold your python right after it eats.

Answer 4

there shouldnt be a problem with handling your python now. you are also new to it and it needs to get used to you too.

i used to handle mine everyday for about an hour before returning them to their tank(s).

Answer 5

i held my snake right away i held my snake all the time and he was real nice

Answer 6

it shouldnt take to long to get used to his new home. usually a day or two. so you shoudl be fine to hold him, i just wouldnt hold him the day you feed him. well you can before but not after and try to give him a day to digest his food. then you should be safe

Answer 7

Well let him settle in for a day or so. In that time, you could watch him explore around his enclosure. When it's time to pick him up you can. Just let the snake settle in so it doesn't get scared or uncomfortable. Always let a snake get used to their enclosure.

Answer 8

i LUV ball pythons they are cool and yet calm. you can hold him when ever you want as long as he had some time 2 look and sniff ( stick his toung out ) his new home. good luk with ur new snake... = )