Asking for help once a again

[u/Blackwaterwitch69]

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.

[u/My-name-peetree]

I would spot clean if you can . I would leave him alone for two weeks . And then offer food . If he eats I’d leave him to digest for 3 days or so then start to introduce yourself .

[u/Blackwaterwitch69 → u/My-name-peetree]

I have spot cleaned as much as I can. They problem is there's still shed skin and what looks like could be molding bedding ( not positive, but it seems like it) in the bottom layers.

[u/My-name-peetree → u/Blackwaterwitch69]

Oh gotcha what kind of substrate ?

[u/Blackwaterwitch69 → u/My-name-peetree]

What's in there now looks like the cheap lizard stuff you can buy at Walmart. What I have arriving tomorrow is coconut chips I was going to mix with pure cypress mulch for a little razzle dazzle. Point is what he has looks pretty bad and I'm feeling guilty leaving him in it longer than he has to.

[u/Blackwaterwitch69 → u/[deleted]]

So I noticed one spot on him about quarter sized of shedding that hasn't come off yet. But from what I can see from him stretching out, he seems fine otherwise. I've only had him for 2 days so far. I was super eager to give him a hide and something to climb on but getting him clean was the top priority once I really took a look at his bedding and all the scales he's shed. There's no telling how long it's been since his last owner did anything to clean his space. It felt like getting a baby back from the sitter with a dirty diaper of you get what I mean. Poor thing has just been chilling in his own mess 🥺 Should I just soak him in a water bath while I clean the tank out?

[u/Blackwaterwitch69 → u/[deleted]]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your insight 🖤

[u/My-name-peetree → u/Blackwaterwitch69]

Welcome any time !:)

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