In or Out?

[trumetal96]

Should I feed it in or out of its cage. So confusing. Everyone is telling me different lol.

[Bright202]

Should I feed it in or out of its cage. So confusing. Everyone is telling me different lol.

Feed outside of the cage, that way you don't have to worry about your snake eating substrate while feeding in the cage. It's a bit of a hassle, but I would recommend it, especially if your feeding live.

[Nagini88]

Feeding out of the cage will also help lessen cage aggression

[Nate]

Feeding out of the cage will also help lessen cage aggression

I disagree

[bearhart]

I disagree

I dont' know how universally true or untrue it is. However, I have found that it is most definately true for my BP.

My *opinion* on this is that the decision most definately affects the snake's behavior. In fact, I think that is easy to determine from reading posts by in-cage feeders here. Do I think it makes some bloodthirsty monster out of your BP? No, definately not. I think that a few precautions are sufficient to make it safe.

My personal experience has been that, when feeding out of cage, my BP *absolutely never* displayed any feeding related behavior while in cage. This, of course, changed when I switched to in-cage feeding. Also, many members here describe eager behavior during feeding time - which includes the snapping up of rodents practically before they hit the substrate. I'm seriously skeptical that you'll find an out-of-cage feeder that does anything like this. However, all of these out-of-cage feeding members seem very happy so that makes it totally OK.

So you see, ultimately its what fits you best. All I can say is be aware of the affects.

[Argentra]

It depends entirely on your preference and your snake. I have my 3 month old BP and my 13 month old corn: the BP eats outside her cage because the decor would get in the way otherwise and I find it easier to do since I clean her cage while she's eating. My corn, however, was raised being fed in his cage and will not eat outside...so I had to modify my techniques to fit what he was used to. Maybe some day, once he's used to handling, I'll get him to eat outside so I can clean his tank easier, but for now I have to do what is best for him to keep him healthy.

Bottom line: If your snake is more relaxed and doesn't care where it goes as long as it gets food, you can feed it outside for peace of mind. If it's really shy, doesn't like handling much, or is one of a large collection then leave it in it's home cage.

[GirDance]

Well I thought that there was nothing better than the feeling when my girl snatches her rat before it 'hits' the bottom of the tub. The only time she's gone into a "strike" position on me is when I check on her about half an hour after her meal just to make sure it's all gone and she's settled. And I might add that I don't even open the tub, I just lift the towel a bit and she's got her head out ready for another rat... I attribute that only to the fact that the enclosure still smells of rat, so when you lift the towel she thinks another rat is coming.

I dont' know how universally true or untrue it is. However, I have found that it is most definately true for my BP.

My *opinion* on this is that the decision most definately affects the snake's behavior. In fact, I think that is easy to determine from reading posts by in-cage feeders here. Do I think it makes some bloodthirsty monster out of your BP? No, definately not. I think that a few precautions are sufficient to make it safe.

My personal experience has been that, when feeding out of cage, my BP *absolutely never* displayed any feeding related behavior while in cage. This, of course, changed when I switched to in-cage feeding. Also, many members here describe eager behavior during feeding time - which includes the snapping up of rodents practically before they hit the substrate. I'm seriously skeptical that you'll find an out-of-cage feeder that does anything like this. However, all of these out-of-cage feeding members seem very happy so that makes it totally OK.

So you see, ultimately its what fits you best. All I can say is be aware of the affects.

[AaronP]

Feed outside of the cage, that way you don't have to worry about your snake eating substrate while feeding in the cage. It's a bit of a hassle, but I would recommend it, especially if your feeding live.

If you're worried about your snake eating substrate then you may want to reconsider what you're putting your snake on. And As far as in our out. I don't think it matters, I've done both and have had no problems doing one or the other.

Oh Yeah, as a matter of a fact one of my snakes won't eat in her cage, I don't know or care why but she's actually fairly aggressive in general (she bites, a lot) but she will only eat prekilled or F/T rats in a dark box.

[TimmyG]

I do out, not that I think there si nothing wrong with feeding in but feeding out seems to offer more advantages and the risks are easily reduced.

Advantages: Can't ingest substrate, classicly conditions the snake in a way that makes handling safer, can not harm itself on decorations, pray has no where to hide, gives you time for quick spot cleaning and cage maitnence

Disadvantages: handleing during feeding can cause a regurge (I reduce this by having the snake go back in the main tank voluntarily), Less convienint for owner (I reduce this by only having one, but i see where breeders and collecters come from)

Its up to you and your snake just make sure you make an educated decision

[Debbienflorida]

MY normal BP , George, has pretty much dictated his feeding preferences, changing them several times in the past year. I started out feeding live in a seperate box. After several feedings he refused so I tried live outside his enclosure. That was fine for awhile then he started refusing. So I tried F/T in his enclosure. He was satisfied for several months then again refusal. Back to live and in his enclosure went fine for another few feedings. Since then I have 2 BCIs. I feed the BP F/T in his tank and if he refuses after a few hours one of the Boas get it. (They will eat anything!) I give him a live mouse until the next week and try again. He takes F/T about every other feeding. My new baby BP still takes live mice but will be trying to switch her over in a couple more feedings. I have come to the realization that BPs or at least my George dictates type, when, how and such that he will or will not eat! Spoiled, of course, but it didn't take him long to get me trained!!