Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just Brought a 6 month old Mex. Blk. Kingsnake home about 20 hours ago. I put him in the tank and have left him alone. I don't want to stress him anymore than the ride from the store home already has, Any ideas on when i can start handeling him? Or how long i should give him to adjust? Thanks.

My experience is atleast 1 week preferably 2-3 weeks

I usually give a snake a couple of days to settle in. Then, depending on feeding schedule, I may handle it for a brief period of time. Once you know the snake will eat in its new home, you can start handling it. Give it a couple days after feeding before you take the snake out so it can get digestion started. If the snake is preparing to shed, you may want to wait until the shed is complete as some snakes are more defensive during shedding. Good luck with your new MBK. Mine is a very calm snake during handling and eats very well. Some have a strong feeding response so you may want to stay out of the way of their food!
Lora

The first thing to do is to get the snake on a regular feeding schedule. I'd feed the snake 10-12 times before even contemplating handling it. Eventually the snake will associate you with food and may even want to be handled.

Mexican Black Kings are awesome snakes and great pets.

Tim

Third Eye

I handle my snakes whenever I want to. They say to wait a few days for them to adjust but I never do. I held my MBK half the way back from Houston in the car and I held her the next morning after I got her settled in her new home. She seems to be fine...I have done that to all of my snakes. Whatever works best for u. Good luck on your new MBK.