just a few questions...

[jahman1]

i just had a few overall questions to clear up really quick (i am a new owner and am trying to get a feel for things here). First off, I've had my snake a few days and have just started handling it. I've noticed people say only handle it for 5-10 mins a day at first. Is it better to do that all in one session, or can i break it up in to 2-3 sessions? Also, I've read a lot about how to tell when a snake is shedding but I'm still not sure about mine. He's been hiding a lot during the day, but very active at night which I'm assuming is normal behavior and that he is not shedding. Also, i havent tried to feed him yet, but probably will in 2-3 days. I assume i should put him in a different container for feeding, but what if he doesnt eat it right away? should i keep him in there til he does? also, how long should i wait to move him back into his cage?

Thanks a lot, this forum has been really helpful so far!

 

[bitsy]

Frequency of handling is an individual thing for both owner and snakes. Some snakes are relaxed about it, some find it stressful. Handle it as little/often as you like (apart from the 48 hours after feeding) and keep an eye on how the snake reacts. Even if it seems reluctant to begin with, it's good to have it used to being picked up.

Hiding during the day and being active at night is indeed a normal activity pattern for a Corn.

There are different opinions about how to feed. I feed mine outside their usual tank so that I can have a good spot-clean. Also it reduces the risk of them accidentally swallowing the bark I use on the floor of the tank. Other people feed in the tank successfully. Again, it's just a matter of figuring out what works for you. If you feed in a different container, then I leave mine in there if they don't eat immediately (some of mine will occasionally take half an hour of exploring before they chow down). I feed in the evening as that's when mine start to get active.

It's OK to leave them in the feeding container with the food overnight (hopefully you're feeding defrosted mice - I wouldn't recommend that with live) as long as you can keep it at the right temp. If mine decide to be that slow, I put the feeding tub into the middle of their main tank. Make sure that the feeding container is escape-proof and has airholes.

When he's finished eating, wait until the food lump has moved about one-third the way down his body. Once it reaches his stomach, he should start getting more active again and exploring - that's the stage at which I move them back to the main tank. It's recommended that you don't handle them for 48 hours after feeding to prevnt a regurge, but it's OK to very gently pick them up to move them back to the main tank. You can also use the tip-and-slide technique and slip them back into the main tank without picking them up directly.