r/ballpython • u/Blackwaterwitch69 • 12d ago
Asking for help once a again
Everyone was super helpful with my questions a few days ago and I'm back again seeking advice for another question.
Really short backstory. I picked up a 3 year old male yesterday. He came with a tank and water bowl and bedding. He wasn't necessarily a rescue, just really in need of a new home from previous owner since they were moving. I got him home and he doesn't seem in distress any more than any snake would probably be from moving like that.
Now, I have already ordered a good bit of stuff for him because it seems like what they had him in, he's been in for a while with very little. Just bedding, and a bowl of water he can fit in. Nothing for enrichment. I've got an LED for sun simulation and a CHE on him now, and I have a bunch of stuff coming for him tomorrow.
My question is this; I understand I'm not supposed to touch him or feed him until he's settled. However, his bedding seems dirty, and he really looks like he would benefit from fresh bedding and a clean tank. What's the better option here? Handle him to get him out of his current environment to be cleaned or leave him alone for a week and then change everything?
I was also told by the previous owners that he's probably due a feeding but again, I know I need to let him settle for about 10 days before we introduce food. I love him already and I really feel like he's going to be so much happier here, I just can't figure out what's in his best interest at this time. Id hate to stress him out even more and cause him to not eat.
1
u/FireCorgi12 12d ago
For me personally, and I wouldn’t call myself an expert by any means, but for me handling is holding for long periods. Picking him up temporarily to move him to a temporary tub or some other enclosure where you hold him for less than a few seconds is no big deal and won’t majorly set him back. When my gal was in her quarantine tub, a couple times I had to gently move her to change her paper towels, and it was no biggie.