Is this a normal thing for a BPl to do?

[kenda77]

I just fed my snake for the first time yesterday. It was a F/T adult mouse.

When I fed her, I used tongs to kinda dangle and shake the mouse in front of her. She happily took it.

Im worried because part of the mouse touched her substrate and now it seems like she smells something. Anytime she gets near that area that the mouse was on, she coils up into the 'S' shape and looks like shes getting ready to strike. Could she still be in feeding mode? Or should I up her food?

She also just stares at me. Like, I mean, she's focused on me. o.o She hasn't tried to bite or even strike yet though. I was just wondering if this was normal. I actually have her cage up on my desk next to my computer. Should I move it?

Thanks for any advice! :]

[Navaro]

That's perfectly normal. They will often hang in 'feeding" or 'hunting' mode for some time after being fed. Give them a little time and they will relax, or retreat to a hide to digest.

[Drako21]

Something that I do when I feed mine is put a piece of paper towel down so that 1- the rodent won't get any substrate stuck to it and ingested by the snake and 2- so that there won't be much, if any rodent scent left behind on the substrate. It's worked well for me.

[Navaro]

Should note too, if theres any blood on the substrate, or your concerned about a scent, you can always remove that part, depending on what your using. or replace the paper towels / newspaper.

[kenda77]

Thanks guys! I use eco carpet in my tank. She eventually retreated to her cold side hide after she realized she wasnt getting food. :p Ill have to try some paper towels next time I feed her.

[kenda77]

One more question, how do I tell her she is ready to take bigger mice/rats? Shes 2 years old, 35 inches long and 3-4 inches at thickest. I dont have a scale to weigh her though.

[Navaro]

Definitely get a scale. Generally aim for 10 - 15% body mass, as a meal.

For now you really should be able to eyeball it. Compare her prey to the thickest part of her body (generally mid-section). And use that as a reference.

If all you have currently are quite a bit smaller, you can always offer her two. Just make sure the first is down before you offer the second

[blk02ssmonte]

she should easily be able to take a large rat crawler or possibly a small rat