waiting period

[basketcase]

having just got my first snake, im struggling to not handle it

just wondering how long everyone else waits/has waited, patiently or impatiently, b4 they handle their snakes

and have their been any complications of handling too soon etc

cheers, jono

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How old is it and what species, this is the main things it depends on.

[wattso]

If its a hatchling, try not to overdo it, since it wont be used to it. Having said that it must get used to it gradually so some handling is nessesary. Judge from its behaviour, if its stessed, hiding or develops an eating prob, then you may be handling too much. few minutes a day probly enough [except after it eats] .

[basketcase]

its a hatchling bredli, she been in her new viv 2 days now, she hiding a fair bit, and wen i go into the room she slowwwwwly backs into her hide... hehe so cute

cheers, jono

[wattso]

Lol, sounds cute. Id probly leave her be for awhile, try when shes out and active. :wink:

[Slateman]

I handeled all my hatchlings ewery day for few minutes, and newer had problem. But I am not expert.

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You've waited 2 days! Well done. I would handle her, bredli are placid and non-perturbed about too much. Just a gentle 1/2 hour or so.
I would be more interested in her feeding though, feed her first and then leave her 3-4days. If she feeds she has enough food in her to give her time to get over the stress if she needs to. and you'll know if she goes off her food next time.

[Tommo]

ive got monty out right now and there is still a buldge in his tummy from his feed. does that matter. he doesnt seem to mind

[wattso]

Not handling after a feed is a precautionary thing. I handle my monty the next day while he still has a bulge, no problem, but each snake is different. I dont handle him immediatly after a feed though. ~cheers

[Tommo]

who else has a monty?

[wattso]

Lol, probly about 47 million people! I thought it was clever cause I like Monty python. In any case its better than "Rupert" lol

[craig]

i would be careful about that tommo, i've had first hand experience with the probs that occur , one time a hatchling diamond regurdgitated and an adult carpet crapped all over the dinning room floor!!!!

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Minimum 24 hours after a feed, prior to this they will/can regurgitate which can cause major dramas with claws etc coming backwards, causing all sorts of problems, let alone wasting the food and the animal not feeding at all, as I said I wait 3-4 days.

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Its a stress thing and not as likely in your well handled and mature montys, but i definitely wouldnt with a young snake.

[africancichlidau]

I don't handle for a couple of days after feeding. But hatchie Bredls I handled same day as purchase and most days since. Bredls seem to like the handling, or at least mine do