Timing is everything.

[Thoth]

I'm probably overanalyzing things, especially since I don't even have my snake yet, but I firmly believe in doing your research *before* you assume responsibility for another life.

In any case, here's my deal:

I've read that...
1. you should feed a hatchling, on average, one pinkie every 72 hours.
2. you shouldn't handle a snake within 48 hours of having fed.
3. frequent, gentle handling allows the new snake to become accustomed to her new owner.
4. you shouldn't handle (or even feed) a snake once its eyes cloud over before shedding, which could take over a week, barring (kennahorrah) complications.

So, with all of this rules...when are you supposed to handle the snake? The one day before the next meal as long as it's not in shed?

 

[Flagg]

Every 3 days is too often to feed, and you don't need to handle them that often.

 

[Cat_Eyed_Lady]

I'm probably overanalyzing things, especially since I don't even have my snake yet, but I firmly believe in doing your research *before* you assume responsibility for another life.

In any case, here's my deal:

I've read that...
1. you should feed a hatchling, on average, one pinkie every 72 hours.
2. you shouldn't handle a snake within 48 hours of having fed.
3. frequent, gentle handling allows the new snake to become accustomed to her new owner.
4. you shouldn't handle (or even feed) a snake once its eyes cloud over before shedding, which could take over a week, barring (kennahorrah) complications.

So, with all of this rules...when are you supposed to handle the snake? The one day before the next meal as long as it's not in shed?

1. actually its every 120 hours when they are little. (5 days)
2. yes exactly... atleast 48 hours
3. yes but start slow, short handleing times and go from there slowly.
4. some snakes will eat when blue, some wont... depends on the snake.

after the 48 hours (after a meal) you can handle them til the next feeding day. As they get older and more used to you it will be easier to handle without the worry of puking. You can handle in shed but you need to realize they cant see hardly at all and will maybe Not like to be handled. As they age and the feedings get farther apart then the handleing gets easier too. That help any??

 

[JustineNYC]

I'm probably overanalyzing things, especially since I don't even have my snake yet, but I firmly believe in doing your research *before* you assume responsibility for another life.

In any case, here's my deal:

I've read that...
1. you should feed a hatchling, on average, one pinkie every 72 hours.
2. you shouldn't handle a snake within 48 hours of having fed.
3. frequent, gentle handling allows the new snake to become accustomed to her new owner.
4. you shouldn't handle (or even feed) a snake once its eyes cloud over before shedding, which could take over a week, barring (kennahorrah) complications.

So, with all of this rules...when are you supposed to handle the snake? The one day before the next meal as long as it's not in shed?

With 3&4 it depends on the snake. One of mine eats in blue and she doesnt mind me picking her up, handling her in blue either. Every snake is different. If their really stressed by handling, doing it everyday is obviously not something you want to do. Try and go at their pace..........After a few good sessions with an uneasy corn of mine.......now she is completely bored by the handling process......but I went at her pace. When she flipped out, I cut the sessions shorter as though not to overly stress her. She still was handled though, I put her back and she was fine.


I wouldnt worry about handling hatchlings so much anyway. There isnt much you can do with babies.........their small and fragile. I think the thing about handling them when their young is just about gaining their trust and getting them used to being touched. Concentrate on that and when their older theyll be content enough to wrap around your arm and hang out.

 

[coloradoflower31]

Feeding

I feed my baby every 5 days. Once a week now that he is bigger. I think it just depends on the snake and how well you get to know it. I agree with not handling for about 48 hours after feeds. I don't really handle mine everyday either. I think he enjoys alone time and I think sometimes people tend to want to bother them too much. I check on him several times a day and talk to him. He looks at me, but doesn't hide. I think if he felt I was going to pick him up every time I went over there that he would hide from me more and I don't want that.
I also have had no trouble feeding my snake when his eyes have clouded because he is getting ready to shed. He still seems just as hungry.

I'm probably overanalyzing things, especially since I don't even have my snake yet, but I firmly believe in doing your research *before* you assume responsibility for another life.

In any case, here's my deal:

I've read that...
1. you should feed a hatchling, on average, one pinkie every 72 hours.
2. you shouldn't handle a snake within 48 hours of having fed.
3. frequent, gentle handling allows the new snake to become accustomed to her new owner.
4. you shouldn't handle (or even feed) a snake once its eyes cloud over before shedding, which could take over a week, barring (kennahorrah) complications.

So, with all of this rules...when are you supposed to handle the snake? The one day before the next meal as long as it's not in shed?

 

[Thoth]

Thanks, everyone, for the responses. I went back and checked where I got the feed-every-three-days thing from (the Loves' "Corn Snake Manual"), but I misremembered...kinda. It says you can feed once every two weeks for modest growth or 2-3 times per week for rapid growth. I'm in no hurry to have a monster snake.