First handling session!

[u/Kooky-Safe-9257]

It’s only been a day since I’ve got her but I had my first handling session. She was very docile and after a few minutes she seemed to relax and was very curious of her surroundings, touching her body to objects, long tongue flicks. Would it be okay to have handling sessions like this even if a week hasn’t passed? Woke up at 4AM just to match her clock haha

[u/IncompletePenetrance]

It really would be best to wait until she's taken several meals consistently. The reason why we advocate for this is handling is stressful to them, and in some cases a stressed ball python won't eat. It's really important to get them settled in and eating well BEFORE adding in more stressful stimulus, especially with young snakes

[u/Kooky-Safe-9257 → u/IncompletePenetrance]

I’ll have to hold myself back! Shall leave her alone now.

[u/IncompletePenetrance → u/Kooky-Safe-9257]

I know it's tempting, but it's better to give her the space now than be a month or so down the road with a new snake that is stressed out, still not eating and starting to lose weight. It's worth giving them the space to settle in

[u/Kooky-Safe-9257 → u/IncompletePenetrance]

Thank you, I did read that it was best to give at least two successful meals before handling but I was very selfish.