feeding

[katieam]

i have started feeding my corn inside his tank to try to reduce his stress level. i use aspen, but put cardboard down so he cant ingest anything. does anyone have any opinions about feeding inside or outside the tank and which is better?

thanks!

[palmer]

I've been told to take them out... But, I'll tell ya, it really does seem to stress them a little. I've been considering feeding mine in his enclosure, too.

[blackcrystal22]

With corn snakes it usually doesn't matter as much. But keeping in is less stressful and easier.

They aren't nearly as picky about anything that balls are.

They're happy with one hide and relatively good temps. Eating is usually not a problem with them..
How old is he? If an adult corn ingests two or three pieces of aspen, he's not going to die. :]

Also, didn't you say you gave your corn snake away?

[Argentra]

I used to take them out... but leaving them in the enclosure is so much better: Less stress for you and the snake, less chance of regurge from moving around, less chance of you being bitten by a hungry, eager snake...

Especially with corns, since they're so fast and eager at feeding time. Just establish a routine so you're feeding them at the same interval consistently, and they'll learn the difference between 'opening the enclosure for cleaning/handling' and 'opening the enclosure to put food in'. Also, pre-scenting really helps to establish that routine.

[playBALL]

Ive been feeding my corns outside their tanks from the start and have never had a problem..now they know the routine i put them in the feed tank and they are ready for their meal..I use f/t so they watch from the feed tank as I dab them dry its sort cute. I think whichever way makes you feel more comfortable the snake will adapt to.

[katieam]

he is about 9 months old. and i was going to trade him for a bp, but it didnt work out. im too attatched to him so i may have two snakes soon

[fiona]

Hey everybody, it's a while since I have posted. I now own a corn snake (which I didn't before) and was thinking about this issue myself.

Do you think in pet shops or reptile houses where they have loads to care for they have the time and resources to feed outside of their normal enlosure? I would imagine no.

I had it on my mind to use the thin plastic lid from the tub my snake was transported in. Or like you suggested cardboard or kitchen roll. I didn't want my snake to swallow any substrate.

Although not yet got to this hurdle, just sharing what's on my mind.

Fiona.