Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just purchased my snake, Monty, yesterday. Right before I left, they fed him in a paper bag to show me he would eat. They then told me not to try and handle him for 24 hours. I brought him home, put him in his new cage, and turned on the lamp overnight. The next morning, after 12 hours, I turned off the lamp. My girlfriend, who has owned a ball in the past, tried to pick him up after about 21 hours of eating and he struck at her. Why would this be? I see on your site you say wait a couple weeks before handling the snake. I really have to wait another 2 or 3 weeks before I can take him out and handle him?

The two week wait period is simply to let the snake adjust to his new suroundings. It'll give him time to settle in and get relaxed. You don't say how big Monty is or what he ate. If the meal was small, he may have struck because he's still hungry. Also, he may just not want to be bothered yet. Give him a few more days.

Quig

Monty is approx. 16-18 inches and had one fuzzy mouse. If he IS still hungry, do I feed him again? I dont want to overfeed him.

Are you feeding live or frozen/thawed? If you've got another fuzzy try and see if he'll take it, he may. As far as handling,I know it's difficult NOT to but give him a few days. Then try for a few minutes at a time at first. If he just wants to get away from you, put him back and try again later. Eventually he'll come to realize you aren't gonna eat him. Be patient, it'll happen.

Quig

The fuzzy was live from the pet store owner. He is still all curled up, so I am taking it that he doesnt want to be touched right now. Is there a way i can test before I pick him up if he is going to be fiesty or not? Like slowly lower a stick in there to see if he tries to snap at that?

Welcome to the hobby! I would suggest you give him a week or so before handling. He is probablly pretty stressed right now. After they eat allow then around 48 hours before trying to handle them so they can digest.
As far as him striking he could have seen your hand as food who knows. The best way to pick them up, IMO, is get them from behind about 1/3 of the way down from there head and then support the back part of there bodys with your other hand. Oh yea and make sure you dont have any mouse or small vermin smell on your hand!
Be patient man it will all pay off. I know how you feel tho i want to handle mine sometimes when i shouldnt and i just gotta tell myself to be patient!!

Good luck and post some pics!
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Mike & Wendy

2.0.0 Siberian husky, Jackrussel/schitzu
0.0.1 Ball Python
1.0.1 Leopard Gecko
1.0.0 Beardie
4.0.0 Beta's
3.1.0 Future Herper's

Well thanks everybody!! It's day two and I'm dying to handle him, BUT, I will wait it out for another 7-10 days more. I'm excited to see how we get along. I will post some pics soon...thanks again!!

i gatehred from that post the light was left on all night, if it was a regular light bulb the snake was probably upset.
my female devi gets upset if the light is left on after 1030, and stikes the glass if you go near the enclosure, so her lights go out at 930.

i just realized i cant spell..... it was i gathered....LOL