When is it safe for me to handle my new snake?

So, you just got your new snake and you are dying to hold it! It is a good idea though to give your new snake some time to settle in. Here is what I would suggest:

Make sure the snake will eat and keep at least two meals down before handling.
  • Wait a couple days before offering food
  • If taken, give it 5 days or so to digest the meal
  • Offer another meal
  • If that meal is taken, give it another 5 days or so to digest the 2nd meal
  • Then enjoy your snake!
That puts you at about two weeks. That is enough time to allow the snake to settle in and become pretty well established. It will also give you a chance to observe your snake for any signs of illness.

It is tough to resist handling your new snake but it's worth a couple weeks of sacrifice to get your snake established the right way. You will have this snake for years, so what difference does two weeks make, right? :)

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Last Updated: April 16th