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How Long Should I wait to Handle?

Diablo29

New member
I just got my first baby cornsnake a yesterday, and the employee at the pet shop told me that he only needed a day to get used to his home. But I know that the people that work at the pet shop don't always know everything about the animal they are selling, so I was just wondering how long I should give my corn to settle in before I begin to handle him. Thanks!!!
 
I always recommend waiting a full seven to ten days before handling or feeding after you bring them home. Better to be safe than sorry, IMO.
 
I wait 5 days then feed, then wait another 2-3 days before handleing, a lot of people tho, will say 3 days is the minimum before handleing.
 
So your saying you can't handle your cornsnake when you get it first? How come? Is it because it has to get used to the vivarium or what? What if you are using the same vivariumas the pet shop? The temptation to handle them is so great though.
 
Imagine how you'd feel if you were snatched out of your normal surroundings and roughly transported to new accommodations that are entirely foreign, including every single environmental condition. Now imagine that while your trying to get over the initial shock of these changes, some big burly guy named Walter (no offense to anyone reading named Walter ;) ) enters the picture and starts roughing you up on a daily basis. How do you think you'd feel?

Change triggers stress in reptiles. In order to quite literally avoid potentially killing your animal with attention, it is best to give him a period of time to first adjust to his new surroundings before adding stimulation of being handled.
 
Ah but the only thing changing for this snake is that it will be in a different location, but the same vivarium, you know? What would be the consequences if you handled it too early anyway?
 
I've also heard that it has to do with the age of your snake when you get it. If it's an adult, then it should be used to being handled and everything already. I would (and did) still wait a few days, but from what other people have told me, it's not quite as critical as it is with a hatchling.
 
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