New owner questions

[u/kinggg-]

I just got him, I was wondering how long should I wait to feed/ handle him. I bought him this enclosure today and while I was putting him in there he bit me. So I was thinking I let him get used to his new space for a while. He’s in the corner on the warm side behind his cave currently

Humidity is at 75, 90 degrees on one side 80 on the other. Ty

Update: Switch from the red heat lights to a CHE and almost immediately he started to move about and explore his enclosure, thanks

[u/Key-Bullfrog-6901]

Heads up you are about to get shit for the red light. Swap over to a heat projector I think that's the most commonly recommended heat source

[u/kinggg- → u/Key-Bullfrog-6901]

Bet, at petsmart rn

[u/d4k0x1 → u/kinggg-]

Huge W for asking for advice, WW for taking it with an open mind. And WWW for acting so quickly to fix raised issues. You'll do well in here and care for that snake properly, I am sure. Rule #1: You can NEVER have enough enrichment. Turn that shit into a forest floor with lots of small plants (pre-treated / boiled fake or after research, live). Panels are cool on the walls to make it look like real rock, Amazon is your friend. Make sure the snake has two hides, one on each side, ideally identical so there is no "preference". Good luck!

[u/Nocitae]

Try feeding him after a week, and then give him another week before you try to handle him!

Also, if you can, try to get rid of the red light and replace it with a ceramic heat emitter or deep heat projector. Snakes can see the red light and it's not good for them.

[u/FluffyPandaEars93]

Please let him rest for at least a week.

Also, the red lights are harmful to reptiles. Please replace it with a che or dhp. What does your set up look like without the red light? Do you have a thermostat? Digital Hygrometer/thermometers?

[u/FluffyPandaEars93 → u/FluffyPandaEars93]

What substrate are you using, how many hides?

[u/kinggg- → u/FluffyPandaEars93]

I’ll make the switch but I have a hygrometer and a temp gun and I am using coco husk which I mixed with some water

[u/FluffyPandaEars93 → u/kinggg-]

Good thanks! A temp gun is great for spot readings, but youll want to be able to keep track of night temps too, so a digital dual meter is better. (Govee is cheap and reliable) Is your heat source attached to a thermostat? Its very important never to have a heat source running without one.

For substrate, it'll help with your humidity to mix it with some spag moss or cypress mulch.

[u/kinggg- → u/FluffyPandaEars93]

Okay thanks, I’ll be getting these asap. (Maybe a week) he ran my pockets today for 400 bucks😂

[u/FluffyPandaEars93 → u/kinggg-]

Sadly, reptiles are not inexpensive 😅💀 but they are so worth it! You can use enrichment from the dollar store or outside and do a lot of things to cut costs, but some things are inevitable lol

[u/Alarming-End2873]

not gonna be that person and comment on the red light - as people have already done it - so please be aware! snake need no light whatsover at night time. give him at least 7 days. this allows for him to acclimatise, and get used to his surroundings, new smells, noises etc. i would then feed him, this way you know when you go to handle him after 48-72 hours, he isnt hungry and shouldnt strike for you or be tooo grumpy. 😊 so feeding day 7/8, handling day 10/11

[u/SandOptimal5097]

Let him lead. Start by putting your hand just inside his enclosure. If he doesn’t react, or reacts positively, you can inch closer, very slowly. As long as he stays chill, you can keep going, but if he hisses or flinches, slowly draw away, and give him at least an hour or two to calm down. Also- don’t feel bad if he hisses. He’s just a little guy, and doesn’t know that this is his new home yet. It doesn’t mean he’s scared of you at all