Snake newbie. When to start holding and feeding after bringing home?

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Lauri

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Hi,
My Childreni arrives tomorrow and I'm very excited but this is my first snake so i am also very stressed about getting things right.
It's about 2 months old, it's been fed 8 times with a recent schedule of twice a week. The last feed being on the 10th (Saturday) it arrives tomorrow on the 12th (Monday).
My question is how long should I let it settle in before starting to socialise it and try its first feed? I don't want to stress it but I'll be itching to get it out and start handling it!
Also, how long should I keep up with the twice a week feeds? Will it start refusing feeds?
It has been feeding on pinky mice, i know that feed size should leave a visible lump in the body after eating but just wondering if there's a rough guide to when i can expect it to size up? (I have no idea how fast they grow).
.. oh, and how often are they expected to shed at this age, it has shed 3 times already with the last time on the 2nd (so ten days ago).

Thanks!
 
I will begin by stating I am not an expert, not even close, but I can offer you advice based off MY own experience.

Handle as little as possible if at all until it eats regularly at your place. Make sure your setup is correct. Search my posts and learn what not to do. It seems I'm on track with things now but I had a very rocky start and this forum doesn't know the half of it. Husbandry and minimizing the snake's stress is absolutely everything.

Best of luck!
 
Hey Lauri

Get your new snake home in its enclose and leave it alone for a week then try to feed, if it feeds then let it chill for a day or 2 after.. after this id start handling.

hope this helps
 
Hey, Congrats on getting into the best hobby around!

I recently got back into the snake game, and I left my 2 (both had 10 successful feeds with the breeder) for 10 days. Then I attempted a feed (both ate perfectly) I then left them for 48 hours to digest and then I started handling. Only for short periods, like 10 minutes per day. I feed once per week and handle probably 4 times per week. I've never been bitten, and only get a defensive strike when they are about to shed. But that is only when they are in their tub.

Like @Mack86 said above..... I too am not an expert and certainly don't claim to be. This is just my experience
 
It’s been a long time since I had a hatchling, but I used to weigh mine once a month, I think it was. Put them in a small drawstring bag or a pillowcase and tie it up so they stay in there, and weigh them on some kitchen scales. I’d then feed them 15-20% of their body weight. I fed mine once a week, but they were carpet pythons. I don’t think it should be too different in terms of frequency though.
 
Choose your own adventure. What works for one snake doesn't always work for others. All of mine I've handled at the breeders or reptile shop the day of purchase then handled for a few minutes once home in transitioning from bag to enclosure. I've successfully fed within the first few days and then handled fine from a couple days post first feed. None of my snakes have shown signs of stress with this method.
 
Hi,
My Childreni arrives tomorrow and I'm very excited but this is my first snake so i am also very stressed about getting things right.
It's about 2 months old, it's been fed 8 times with a recent schedule of twice a week. The last feed being on the 10th (Saturday) it arrives tomorrow on the 12th (Monday).
My question is how long should I let it settle in before starting to socialise it and try its first feed? I don't want to stress it but I'll be itching to get it out and start handling it!
Also, how long should I keep up with the twice a week feeds? Will it start refusing feeds?
It has been feeding on pinky mice, i know that feed size should leave a visible lump in the body after eating but just wondering if there's a rough guide to when i can expect it to size up? (I have no idea how fast they grow).
.. oh, and how often are they expected to shed at this age, it has shed 3 times already with the last time on the 2nd (so ten days ago).

Thanks!
Hey, did you get this figured out? Hope you're having a great time with your snake by now.
By chance, can you share a pic or two of your snake?
 

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