Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had the ball python for about a week.. It's a baby and only 16.5 inches long... I've only reached into cage to scoop out it's urine.. I am going to take it out and put into a separate container to feed it tomorrow...

What i was wondering is when should i start handling the snake..
How much should i handle it?... and what part of the day?.. I know not to handle it for a day after it eats...

I've read many books and articles.. a lot of them vary.. and most are aimed towards wild caught snakes..

Please help a newbie out ,
Chris

I waited until last night (Thursday) to handle my new BP, having got it on Sunday - the book I own says two weeks, other sites I have seen have said a couple of days, so I went for something in the middle!

As long as it seems happy in its new enclosure, and hasn't been snappy or defensive when you put your hand in, you should be OK to handle it within the next few days.

But I am a relative newbie to BPs so if anyone wants to correct me...
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1 x normal corn - "Slinky" | 1 x normal ball python - "Humbug"

i have been into reptiles for 2 years now and my first snake was a ball python.i do not agree with everybody els on waiting to handle.but dont handle to much frome day 1 i handled increasing 10 minutes a day then mayb 15 then 20 .i have also when bringing my snakes home frome the pet shop held them most of the way home.the only time i did not was with my rescue gopher snake which i have realy had to work with to tame.i didnt post this to get told i was wrong i did this to put my 2 cents in thats all.

with all due respect
josh

I agree with you. I have handled all of my animals from day one, in small increments. I think it's a personal preference, and if it works for you, then it's all good.
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1.1 Ball Python
0.0.1 corn snake
0.0.1 Bearded Dragon
0.0.2 fish
1.2 cats
3.1 kids
1.0 husband