Quote From Snake Ranch "Much can be gained by providing your newly arrived hatchling with the opportunity to 'settle in' before any handling or other potentially stressful interaction is undertaken. If conditions are suitable, and privacy is granted, the reptile will adapt very quickly to its new surroundings. On the other hand, if this initial period is interrupted with bouts of handling, or if other factors lead to stress and uncertainty for the reptile, the settling in period can extend indefinitely. Stress in reptiles can be regarded by the keeper as cumulative, with each bad experience (e.g. being handled while frightened) adding to the store of earlier negative experiences. As exciting as a new arrival can be, the hobbyist that respects the needs of the animal and resists the urge to show it off in the initial period of settling-in, will be rewarded with a much better proposition in the long haul.
It is crucial that the hatchling's enclosure is entirely appropriate from the onset - eg with provision of ideal thermal conditions, hiding facilities, water bowl, etc. Deficiencies in the enclosure such as not being escape-proof, being too cold, too hot, too wet, or having inadequate hiding facilities etc, can cause a significant setback. Again, beginners who do not have a copy of Care of Australian Reptiles in Captivity (order from Australian Reptile Park) need to get a copy before going further, in order to gain sufficient insight as to what sort of caging and husbandry procedures will be required.
In enclosures with glass or screen viewing fronts, fast movements by the keeper may frighten the new arrival, and in the case of very nervous specimens, it may be worthwhile affixing a sheet of paper to the outside of the enclosure to block the reptile's view and thereby minimise disturbance. It is best to delay the offer of food for a week or so".
