Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my first snake and fed him for the first time. How long should I wait before handling him?

wait about 3 days or so. That should be plenty.

EP
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Occupants not paying rent:
1.1.5 balls
2.1.8 corns(candy cane, creamsicle, ghost, 4 normal,
4 anery )
1 pueblan milk
1 everglades rat
1 cal. king
1 gray band king
1 w. hognose
1 bearded dragon
1 fish
1 mouse
3.3 cats

Three days! I have to wait three days before I can play with my new friend? Well, if I have to I have to. That's no fun.

well, if you have just gotten it its also recommended to wait 1-2 weeks before any handling so new snake can get used to its new enclosure. but i've handled my new baby corn with in a week of getting her and about 24 hours after feeding her.

Three days! I have to wait three days before I can play with my new friend? Well, if I have to I have to. That's no fun.

It always concerns me when I see something like this. I'm sure you don't mean it the way it sounds, but I feel the need to comment in general anyway.

You don't "play" with snakes. They are living things. And, unlike the more social mammals (dogs and cats), snakes don't "play" in the wild. Snakes are generally only active to search for their basic needs - food, water, reproduction, shelter. When those needs are met, they will prefer to stay hidden somewhere.

So be aware than when you take a snake out of its cage, it generally doesn't "enjoy" the experience, no matter how used to you it is. I'm not saying you shouldn't take your snake out and handle it, just that you should be aware that if the snake had a choice, it would rather stay coiled up, safe in its hidebox.
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Chris Harrison

I was kidding of course. I want to do what is best for the snake. I am looking foward to raising a beautiful creature that I have the utmost respect for.

I'm really glad to see the rather conservative answers to your question. Two points to you, by the way, for even asking!

Some will tell you not to handle a snake for 24 hours after feeding. Some say 48. But with a NEW snake, I think 3 days is a pretty good rule. Rule varies with size of meal, proper temps being kept, and as we've seen "newness" or even "nervousness" of the snake.

Years ago, I lost my very first corn due to repeated regurge. This was actually my second snake (I still have my 1st), but I think maybe if I hadn't been so excited about holding her after 24 hours she may have fared better.

Good luck. Keep asking questions. What kind of snake, btw?

There goes that viciousness again...

With a new snake, it is best to leave him/her in the enclosure for at least a week to explore, become comfortable, etc.

Handling after feeding: when to? well, this depends on the snake's metabolism. What type of snake is it? As a rule, i say 48 hours, but, if the lump is still prevalent in the gut, i'd leave the snake alone another day. Make sure temps are right, humidity is right, and, despite the fact that the odd peruser of these boards will have a go at you, don't hesitate to ask questions about anything.

And yes, a snake can be fun, and can be a great companion... not just an object that you supply food and water to when required. Without regular handling (3 times a week, approx), a snake may become feral. That's never a good thing

happy herping

n/p
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids