New Royal Python. Hunt mode?

[Bats]

Hiya

So I mentioned in a previous thread about us getting a RP. We did, a gorgeous 3/4 month old, and named her Absinthe. She looks healthy, and we purchased a pre-setup viv with her, for the total cost of £100. Any information we have about her I asked from the woman at the Norwich Reptile Co. but she seemed fairly knowledgable.

The plastic lidded viv is a comfortable size (I don't have a ruler), around 18-20" long, 12" wide and 8-9" high, but that's only a very rough estimate as I'm lacking any form of measurement. She's got a bunch of plastic leafy foliage, a half-log hide, a plastic 'rock'-style hide and a smallish water bowl she can curl up in. The substrate is sphagnum moss over a dark-coloured bark (which I can't remember the name of).

We also got a heat mat with the kit, and have had to tape it to the left-hand of the back of the viv as the substrate was too thick and very little heat was getting through. There is a magnifying lamp at the heated end to provide a bit of light, and fresh water provided yesterday and changed this morning.

My burning question is, is Absinthe in hunting mode or just curious? We were informed she ate last Friday, but she's quite active today and wandering around the viv. I'm reluctant to feed her until at least Friday or Monday so she's had time to settle in.

I'll post photos of the viv set-up soon

Edit: I forgot to mention, we haven't got a thermometer, thermostat or hygrometer yet - my partner has ordered the thermometer off ebay, and will pick up the other two today.

[4PY]

Na mate i dont think so, if yav just got her, she'll be just checking out the new inviroment, cause she has to settle so i wouldnt worry, you shouldnt handle a new snake either let her settle for a while then she'll be happy

[Bats]

That's what I thought, but I was just making sure. We're doing our best to leave her alone, save changing her water, even though I do worry even that might stress her a little bit!

[Amyboo]

i've never had a snake, altho i have read that you should leave them alone a good 2 weeks to settle in apart from changing water and cleaning any waste, the RP will get used to your hands being in the viv for short amounts of time and will know that your not trying to grab it all the time.

[oakelm]

Sounds normal behaviour, just curious. Leave them be until they have feed at least 3 times in your care. I know it sounds a long time but sit on your hands. Being patient now can save you a lot of heartache later as if they are handled too soon they tend to stop eating. Congrats on your new purchase, pictures when you get the chance are always good.

[ToxicSiren]

Sounds all good. The bark is orchid bark lol. Just make sure you get your thermostat soon as poss cos without your heat mat will constantly heat up with could melt your tub and burn your snake. x