Feed Snake & Return to Primary Tank or ...

[VictoryWon4Him]

Hello all. First time posting. It's been a while since I've owned a snake. I actually got a regular BP back in the 80's and had him for 26 yrs. Recently, I've been missing him so my wife and I went to the pet store to look at them and get a feel for them again. Well, 2 snakes later ... lol. So, we're loving our new snakes. She has a F - Pinstripe BP and I have a M - Mojave BP, both about 3/4 months old (pic in Avatar). I know that there's much debate on whether to feed them in their primary tank or a secondary tank so that they don't get used to feeding in their primary. (Although, I never had a problem feeding my previous BP in his primary tank-although he was about 3yrs old when I got him). After doing research, I understand that it's good to feed them in a secondary tank (terrarium), and then leave them alone for about 48hrs. However, since their smaller feed tanks (which are large plastic containers) don't have heat in them, I'd rather not leave them in it for 48hrs. Is it ok to feed them in the secondary "feeding" tanks and then after eating, lower the entire container into their main tank to let them crawl out and enjoy their true & heated home (since the UTH helps with their digestion)? Thanks all for reading this and for your help! Enjoy your babies !!

[200xth]

I think most people are no longer using special feeding tanks anymore. Just feed them in their normal enclosures.

[Sonny1318]

I had snakes since the late 80's myself. I also prefer separate feeding tanks. You'll find a lot of people on here don't use that technique any more. Probably because they have so many. I use a separate tank to feed. Usually give 5 to 10 minutes after they've eaten to return them to their tank. I can not remember ever having a problem doing this way. So if you choose to feed in a separate tank, give them 15 minutes and put them back in their enclosure. And yes I used this method with boa constrictors also.

[bcr229]

You'll find a lot of people on here don't use that technique any more. Probably because they have so many.

Actually it's because moving an adult boa in feeding mode is a good way to end up bleeding like a stuck pig, even if that snake isn't normally aggressive or defensive.

[C2tcardin]

I do the same as Sonny1318 and have no problems, I have a small plastic tub I line only with a shop towel then put the snake in then the mouse. Then while he/she is working on getting it down I can spot clean their tub/tank, refill water, etc. After I know the mouse has been downed I just pick the snake up and gently put them back in their tub. They almost immediately go right for the hot side hide box to digest for a day or two. The main reason I do it this way is to spot clean the tub, the secondary reason is I've seen a lot of threads regarding snakes with substrate stuck in their mouth's. I don't believe there is anything to the whole aggression thing, I think that depends on the snake itself.

[Sonny1318]

Actually it's because moving an adult boa in feeding mode is a good way to end up bleeding like a stuck pig, even if that snake isn't normally aggressive or defensive.

Never been stuck like a pig during feeding. Have to practice better husbandry if your getting bit during feeding. Boa or other.

[Sonny1318]

I do the same as Sonny1318 and have no problems, I have a small plastic tub I line only with a shop towel then put the snake in then the mouse. Then while he/she is working on getting it down I can spot clean their tub/tank, refill water, etc. After I know the mouse has been downed I just pick the snake up and gently put them back in their tub. They almost immediately go right for the hot side hide box to digest for a day or two. The main reason I do it this way is to spot clean the tub, the secondary reason is I've seen a lot of threads regarding snakes with substrate stuck in their mouth's. I don't believe there is anything to the whole aggression thing, I think that depends on the snake itself.

Thank you, well put. Worded very well.

[KMG]

Never been stuck like a pig during feeding. Have to practice better husbandry if your getting bit during feeding. Boa or other.

I invite you to move my 30 lb 5.5ft blood python while she is ready to feed, or even my 4ft gtp. I'm not sure what husbandry has to do with it but I bet you will find feeding in their cage is much preferred to the alternative.

Op,

Most of the experienced keepers here feed in their enclosures. There are many reason for this. 1.Dont get tagged, 2. Less stress on snake, 3. More likely to have successful feeding, 4. More efficient(think about feeding several snakes to hundreds.), 5. Less equipment required, 6. Safer for snake and handler. Unless you believe in the myth of cage aggression there are no valid reasons to feed outside the enclosure.

Times have changed while some keepers have not. They are not necessarily wrong but feeding outside the cage is certainly not the best option for some snake. Balls are pretty laid back compared to some so I just don't see the point. If your not afraid to move your snake in feed mode why are you afraid of cage aggression. Are they not in the same mode during both encounters? So what gives?

I say feed your snake in its home and leave him be for at least 24 hours. I can tell you from my experience with some very aggressive feeders including my ball I have never had an issue with aggression during regular handling. My 6ft brb is a missile at feeding time and can hardly be restrained from attacking the rat immediately but at all other times he is a good natured courious wonderfully behaved boy.

Do what you want but most here will say its a waste if time to feed outside.

[Sonny1318]

I invite you to move my 30 lb 5.5ft blood python while she is ready to feed, or even my 4ft gtp. I'm not sure what husbandry has to do with it but I bet you will find feeding in their cage is much preferred to the alternative.

Op,

Most of the experienced keepers here feed in their enclosures. There are many reason for this. 1.Dont get tagged, 2. Less stress on snake, 3. More likely to have successful feeding, 4. More efficient(think about feeding several snakes to hundreds.), 5. Less equipment required, 6. Safer for snake and handler. Unless you believe in the myth of cage aggression there are no valid reasons to feed outside the enclosure.

Times have changed while some keepers have not. They are not necessarily wrong but feeding outside the cage is certainly not the best option for some snake. Balls are pretty laid back compared to some so I just don't see the point. If your not afraid to move your snake in feed mode why are you afraid of cage aggression. Are they not in the same mode during both encounters? So what gives?

I say feed your snake in its home and leave him be for at least 24 hours. I can tell you from my experience with some very aggressive feeders including my ball I have never had an issue with aggression during regular handling. My 6ft brb is a missile at feeding time and can hardly be restrained from attacking the rat immediately but at all other times he is a good natured courious wonderfully behaved boy.

Do what you want but most here will say its a waste if time to feed outside.

If you got a snake that your afraid to move maybe you shouldn't be keeping it. That's why so many snakes get released, resulting in negative press. Has nothing to do with cage aggression, next time read the whole thread. Always do what I feel is best, don't need your blessing. Hitler thought he was right too. ;-)

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Eric Alan]

Hitler thought he was right too. ;-)

Comparing advice from an experienced keeper to genocide... classy.