Timid feeder

[quercus]

I've got my ball python feeding on frozen rats. This snake is a very shy feeder. It won't eat unless I put up a board in front of its cage blocking the view from the room. It needs the privacy. It's one year old and has always been a great feeder (knock on wood). My question is since the snake is a shy feeder (timid feeding response) will these type of snakes be more prone to going off feed?

Since I stopped feeding live, the snake doesn't snatch up and constrict the rodent. The snake now just takes its time and and swallows the rat. There is no lightning fast feeding response. I took the killer out of a predator. Will BP's get lazy when they don't have to kill the prey themselves. Will this lead to problems down the road? Or should I just be thankful for a ball that will take frozen, no matter what the feeding response is?

[Jeo123]

It seems that in a lot of cases a F/T snake will be less aggressive with the constriction sometimes choosing not to constrict at all.

The other time that happens is when the prey is too small and the snake doesn't think it's worth the effort.

Overall, I don't think it matters as long as it's eating.

[Anatopism]

For an animal that spends most of its time lounging around (even when feeding live), maybe exploring some at night, what defines lazy?

I would figure that the reason he isn't a terribly enthusiastic eater with f/t is solely bc it is a waste of energy to slam a food item and coil it.... when you are aware that it is already entirely dead. Obviously, I don't know, but I would guess that snakes don't strike and constrict their food because it's fun or mentally stimulating, but because when it is alive and trying to fight back, it is necessary in order to eat.

SO.. to answer your question, yes I think you should be thankful your shy eater will take f/t. It's easier to feed, convenient, and you don't have to worry about a lucky rat getting it's teeth into the side of your snake.

[Simple Man]

You might try moving the prey item with your hemostats. I do that even after they have coiled to simulate a live prey item. It seems to work and they constrict for a bit before finishing the item. Just a thought...

Regards,

B

[MissDizzyBee]

Just be thankful. Java's the same way. he doesnt bother striking a f/t. I just set it outside his cave and tap him to wake him up, then throw a towel over the cage. He always eats it.

[quercus]

You might try moving the prey item with your hemostats. I do that even after they have coiled to simulate a live prey item. It seems to work and they constrict for a bit before finishing the item. Just a thought...

Regards,

B

I've tried simulating life in the dead rat, it doesn't work. It just freaks the snake out. It peeks out from under its hide watching me walk the dead rodent around, wondering what the hell Im doing.