New Mommy.

[karenjmd]

Heya,

This is my first post on this site, I'm relatively new here, and I'm a relatively new BP owner
Problem is, I'm still a little nervous when it comes down to feeding time. Jane (my bp) is a wonderfl snake, and she eats readily and so far no major problems have occured, but to be honest, I get a wee it freaked out watching her go from docile, friendly little snake to hungry predator mode. Any tips on how to not be such a wuss?

Thanks
Karen

[JLC]

Welcome to the forum!! We love new peeps!


Hmmm....tips on not freaking out when they feed? Basically I come up with two schools of thought: First is don't watch. And the second is to watch as much as she'll tolerate so that you get used to it and it's no big deal to you.

Another option is to feed frozen/thawed prey. Snakes that are used to live feeding may not switch over easily, but some do. I'm assuming you feed live because of the aggressive response you describe. Often (but not always), when feeding on prey that is already dead, they are more laid back about it and just start eating without all the strike and coil drama.

But if it were my snake, I'd continue feeding her whatever it is she's liking so much...and just toughen up my heart a little.

[karenjmd]

Lol, actually, I do feed frozen/thawed, that just goes to show how wussy I really am.
The previous owner taught her to feed by dangling the mouse by the tail, and allowing the snake to strike and grab it, so she's not accustomed to any other way. That part freaks me out a little, (dangling the prey) but at this point, that's what she's used to. The last time I fed her, I dropped the mouse, and had no real desire to put my hand in the box I was feeding her in, and she seemed a little antsy. She eventually ate it, after several aborted attempts.

Maybe it's a practice makes perfect situation

[JLC]

Ahhh...in that case, just drop it in and leave her alone. She'll figure it out and eat, as she's already shown you. If you feel like you just have to do it the dangley way, then use a long pair of tongs or something to hold onto the mouse and keep your own hand well back.


I have no squeamishness about feeding snakes, but I certainly don't want to be holding the mouse/rat/whatever with my hand when they're trying to strike. That's just asking for an accidental bite.

[karenjmd]

Excellent!
That advice works for me

Thanks for your help!

-Karen

[JLC]

Anytime!

[frankykeno]

Hi Karen and welcome to BPNet, glad you've joined us!


Don't worry about being "wussy"...heck I never quite got over the "lalalalalala laid back snake....WHAM! sudden strike thing"....even if I didn't jump it made me blink lol. Do use a set of hemostats or just a pair of kitchen tongs from your dollar store (get decent long ones that you can keep nice and clean). It's best for you not to have prey smell on your hands anyways when feeding or afterwards when you are moving the snake back to it's enclosure (I feed live and in their enclosure actually).

The more you have the snake, the more commonplace feeding day will become and that strong feeding response will be something you learn to treasure (and heck feel free to brag about it here LOL).

Hope you enjoy this community of crazy snake, turtle, lizard, frog, spider, etc. bunch of folks!


~~Jo~~