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Bringing home a new snake is an exciting experience, but it’s important to resist the urge to handle your new pet right away.
Leaving your snake alone for at least 7 days will help it acclimate to its new environment and reduce the risk of stress-related health problems.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why is Waiting Before Handling Your New Pet Snake Important?
- What Happens When You Don’t Wait a Week Before Handling Your New Pet Snake?
- How Should You Start Handling Your New Pet Snake?
- What to Do if Your New Snake Won’t Eat Their First Meal
- What to Do if Your New Snake Won’t Eat Their Second Meal
- After Your New Snake Has Had Their First Meal
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Snakes need time to acclimate to their new environment.
- Waiting at least seven days allows the snake to acclimate to its new environment and reduces the risk of stress-related health problems.
- Stress can cause your snake to bite you because they are stressed and trying to protect themselves.
- Snakes that are not handled regularly may refuse food, become ill, become aggressive, or escape their enclosures.
Why is Waiting Before Handling Your New Pet Snake Important?
There are a few reasons why it’s important to wait before handling your new pet snake.
First, the stress of transport to a new home can be very stressful for snakes.
Second, snakes need time to get used to their new surroundings and having you around before you start handling them.
Third, the snake’s stress levels will be compounded if there are other pets or if the tank is set up wrong.
By waiting a week, you’ll ensure that your snake has acclimatized to their new environment and won’t find it as stressful to be handled by you.
What Happens When You Don’t Wait a Week Before Handling Your New Pet Snake?
Not waiting a week before handling your new pet snake can lead to stress, health problems, and even an early death.
The stress of being handled by a stranger can create a stress cycle in which your snake is stressed when being handled by you and may even remain scared of you. This stress can lead to your snake biting you because they’re stressed and trying to protect themselves.
Your snake’s immune system is weakened by the stress of being suddenly kept in a strange place by a stranger. This weakened immune system, in turn, can lead to a lot of health problems and even an early death.
In addition, snakes that aren’t handled regularly may refuse food, get sick, become aggressive, or escape their enclosures.
For all of these reasons, it’s important to wait a week before handling your new pet snake.
How Should You Start Handling Your New Pet Snake?
After a week, you can start handling your new pet snake for short periods of time.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the duration of handling sessions.
- Handle your snake in a quiet, calm environment.
- Choose a time of day when your snake is most active.
- Avoid handling your snake when it’s about to eat or after it has eaten.
- Never handle your snake with other people around.
What to Do if Your New Snake Won’t Eat Their First Meal
If your new snake doesn’t eat their first meal, don’t worry – this is perfectly normal. Snakes can go for long periods of time without eating, so it’s important not to force them to eat.
Here are a few things you can do if your snake won’t eat their first meal:
- Wait 48 hours after feeding. This will give your snake time to settle in and adjust to their new environment.
- Offer a prey item that’s the same size as your snake’s widest part. This will help to ensure that your snake is able to eat the prey item without difficulty.
- Don’t handle your snake for 24 hours after feeding. This will help to reduce stress and allow your snake to focus on eating.
- Use tongs to offer the prey item. This will help to prevent your snake from becoming scared of your hands.
- Try again later if your snake doesn’t eat. Some snakes may need a few tries before they’re willing to eat.
What to Do if Your New Snake Won’t Eat Their Second Meal
If your snake doesn’t eat their second meal, don’t worry, it’s still normal for them to be adjusting.
- Wait 48 hours after feeding: It’s important to give the snake time to digest its first meal before offering another one.
- Offer a smaller prey item: If the snake didn’t eat its first meal or refuses the second one, try offering a smaller prey item that’s easier for them to consume.
- Try live prey: Some snakes prefer live prey over frozen/thawed ones. Experiment with different options and see what works best for your snake.
- Check enclosure temperature: Ensure that the temperature in the enclosure is appropriate for your specific species of snake as they may not eat if they’re too hot or too cold.
After Your New Snake Has Had Their First Meal
Once your new snake has successfully eaten their first meal, it’s important to continue providing them with the necessary care and attention they need to thrive in their new environment.
When it comes to handling your snake after its first meal, there are a few key factors to consider.
Firstly, you should start by gradually increasing the frequency of handling sessions over time. Begin with short sessions of about 5-10 minutes every few days and gradually increase both the duration and frequency as your snake becomes more comfortable.
When handling your snake, make sure to use proper technique by supporting its body properly and avoiding any sudden movements that may startle or stress them out. Choose a quiet location for handling where there are minimal distractions or loud noises that could scare the snake.
Remember that each individual reptile may have different preferences when it comes to being handled, so always pay close attention to their body language and reactions during these interactions. If at any point you notice signs of stress or discomfort such as hissing, biting attempts or defensive postures from your pet; immediately stop all contact until they calm down again before trying again later on another day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I need to handle my snake before a week is up?
If you need to handle your snake before a week is up, do so for short periods of time and only when necessary.
Avoid handling your snake during feeding or shedding times, and always be gentle and patient.
What if my snake is acting stressed out?
If your snake is acting stressed out, it’s important to assess the potential causes.
Check for environmental factors such as:
- Temperature or humidity fluctuations
- Improper enclosure setup
- Inadequate hiding spots
Adjustments may be necessary to promote a calmer and more comfortable environment for your snake.
What if my snake doesn’t eat after a week?
If your snake doesn’t eat after a week, it may be stressed or ill.
Consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
What if my snake doesn’t eat after two weeks?
If your snake doesn’t eat after two weeks, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out any health problems.
What if my snake is still not eating after a month?
If your snake is still not eating after a month, you should take it to the vet to rule out any medical problems.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s crucial to exercise patience and give your new snake time to adjust before handling them.
Waiting at least seven days allows the snake to acclimate to its new environment and reduces the risk of stress-related health issues.
Rushing into handling can result in negative consequences for your pet, such as refusal to eat or increased stress levels.
By following this waiting period, you’re ensuring the well-being and happiness of your new snake.
So remember, give them the time they need before you start handling.
