Feeding in enclosure

So is feeding in there enclosure ok? I've always been told to feed in a separate Area. I usually feed mine in a completely empty tub. I guess what I'm askin is the only reason people feed in separate area is so they dont get bit when reaching in there cage?

personally I feed everything in its cage.

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Originally Posted by Shawn

personally I feed everything in its cage.

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Same here. It reduces the risk of regurgitation and getting bitten, while it also is much easier to feed in its enclosure.

All 9 of mine eat in their tubs, and we've never had a problem with it. I've been bitten twice, but neither incident had anything to do with feeding - one was from a nervous baby, the other by a cranky opaque/blind Delilah. There was a poll on this subject a while back, and if I remember correctly, around 75-80% of the members feed in their enclosures. So clearly that old myth about having to feed separately is just that... a myth. :cool:

As long as you wash your hands after touching rodents, I doubt any snake will mistake you for food! Also handling (the snakes) regularly will get them used to your scent, so they won't just associate you with feedings.

I also feed in the enclosures they live in. I have never been bit by any of mine.

Here's a link to that old poll... http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=102141
Looks like around 76% of those who voted feed in the snake's enclosure.

I feed my BP every week in his enclosure, never had a problem.

Thanks I appreciate the feedback.

I use to take mine out...however it stressed them out and quite frankly was a huge pain in the butt.

I now feed in their enclosures and they do fine. They know the difference between us and a rat. Most of the bites on here are from having mice/rat scent on your hands or a missed strike.

I feed 80 snakes a week in their enclosures. I have several that have such a strong feed response (like my BCI) that if I was to feed out of the enclosure I would be pulling coiling snakes off my arm more often than not.

Feeding in lets the snake ambush its prey uninterupted, get a good feed response going (pre-scenting) and to coil and ingest its prey uninterupted.

BPs are a shy snake, and feeding in the enclosure lets them be snakes and attack and dispatch of their prey in a manner condusive to keeping them on feed and feeding with confidence.

I have several that if I handle the day of a feeding that is enough to ensure a refusal. I clean enclosures 24 hours before I feed and then about 24-48 hours after.

Bruce