When will it be okay for me to handle my new corn snake?

[anthony1991]

I bought him on Sunday, so he has been in his new home for three days now not counting the Sunday I brought him home. He isn't very jumpy when he sees me around but I have yet to feed him. Should I wait to handle him until after his first feeding?










Here is a picture of him.

 

[medusacoils]

At least a week but two is better. Then you can do short handling sessions. You want to give him time to settle in.

Also, don't handle for 48-72 hours after you feed.

Wayne

 

[pwargcm]

yeah. i handle most of my animals for a little bit as soon as they seem they explored and are in their own home. then ill do first feedings and leave them to settle even more. then ill handle again. so if you think hes ready, then go for it. just keep it short and sweet.

 

[Nanci]

I say leave him alone for a week. Then feed. Then handle, two days after you feed! You want him to be as stress-free as possible for his first feeding. Even good handling is stressful.

 

[Haya Tha'baan]

Did you give him a place to hide?

 

[anthony1991]

Did you give him a place to hide?

Yeah he has three places. He has a coconut shell, which he has grown very fond of, a log to go under, and a little green house that can also be for a humidity shelter when he sheds.

 

[Chip]

Nice! You'll love your new snake. Even when I had very few, I started to only handle the little ones when cage cleaning and such. When they get a few grams/sheds under their belt, they really take to it much easier. I'd guess by the time of year and the size that he appears to be that it's an '08 hatchling. Once he settles in to his new environment, you can pretty much handle him anytime he didn't recently eat or is nearing a shed. Keep us posted!