How long to wait to handle a new snake..

[HoneyHawthorne]

I've read a lot online and in here on this, but there seems to be a large variation from 3 days to over a week, so I figured I would just ask.

My snake arrived yesterday morning after being in the postal system for 18 hours, and he's been actively exploring his new home. I don't know how old he is, but he is at least 4 months old and weighs 7.5 grams. I want to give him enough time to settle in and make his new house feel like a home, but how long is that?

 

[TheFrogman]

I was taught 5 days but I admit I couldn't wait that long and I am happy I didn't. I gave him a full 48 hours to adjust and then I started to handle him and he has become very comfortable with me.

 

[Kat_Dog]

I think the general consensus is to wait 5-7 days, feed the snake, then you can hold it 2 days after feeding

 

[AliCat37]

I would give him five days, feed him on the fifth day in the deli cup he came in, and then after 48 hours you can handle him

 

[HoneyHawthorne]

Thank you guys! The wait 5 days for feeding, and 7/8 to handle makes sense! ^.^

 

[HerpsOfNM]

I did 1 week+ and other. One week is generally what I recommend to new keepers. This time gives both the snake time to destress from both shipping and new intricacies of a new environment. This also gives the new owner time to observe the new critter and begin to understand how it behaves.

I checked Other from an experienced keeper standpoint. Be they a new corn snake up to a new green tree python, I feel comfortable in my keeping to offer a "test" meal 24 hours after arrival. This lets me know just how settled in the newbie is, plus many breeders will hold off a week or more when they are anticipating shipping a snake to its new owner. I generally offer just a small meal, with the 1 week mark being an appropriate full size meal.

 

[hypnoctopus]

If I'm getting an older snake, I don't worry as much about how long I give him to settle in. For a little baby, I'd give at least 5 days to a week.

 

[daddio207]

One variable I have to keep reminding myself when I read these posts is that most hobbyist here keep their corns in vivarium's. I keep most of mine in rack systems and a few in custom show vivarium's. All new snakes that go right into the racks get offered a meal on the same schedule as everyone else. If it's the same day and they don't eat then they wait till the next scheduled feeding. 3 to 7+ days depending in if it's in the hatchling/juvi rack, sub-adult or adult racks. Also not handled until 2 days after they take their first meal with me. Racks keep their stress level to a minimum but don't give you the enjoyment of displaying them.
As for vivarium's, I would recommend not handling or feeding for 4 or 5 days after putting it in its tank. I would cover the front of the tank for a few days so the snake can't see you. Also quieter the better. Only R & B music. No country or rock ! :rofl: Just kidding !! Seriously though, the best start to success in reptile keeping is the less stress the better.

 

[Chip]

I think I handled my scaleless for three hours a day for the first week I had her.

 

[xoxocammyxoxo]

I admit I handle them all the time except right after eating.

 

[Rigby & Marcy]

I also handled mine right away but they were young adults and I and brought them home in the vivs they had always lived in (they were included). I don't think they even noticed they got sold. So I'm not very useful. I don't handle for 2 days after feeding.

 

[Spencer]

I handled right away when I got it. I stressed my baby out. I didn't provide a hide for a couple days (didn't know) and also handled right from the get go. I wait 24 hours after feeding for gentle handling if needed, but on principlesprinciple, 48 hours. Handle away. She'll be fine. But keep it to a minimum, just 5 minutes a day to get used to you

 

[neworleansvamp]

I give mine the 5-7 days, feed then handle after they digest (2-3 days) . Its worked great for me.