The Separate Feeding Tank

Hi everybody.

I bought a baby ball python today and couldn't be happier. I'm very excited to watch him live and grow into a healthy adult. Currently the only other pet I own is a corn snake. My experience with my corn snake has been great, which was a big part of my decision to go for the ball python experience.

I've read many care guides for both snake species, and they all agree that it's a good idea to use a separate tank to feed. When I first got my corn snake about 18 months ago I would do this, but eventually I stopped because although my corn is generally very docile, she didn't like being handled after her feeding. Because handling after feeding can cause regurgitation, and she wasn't very cooperative, I quit the habit. I would absolutely hate to make my snake regurgitate.

So my question for you all is: After feeding in a separate tank, how do you safely get your ball pythons back in their home tank?

I'm honestly not concerned about my corn snakes feeding habits any as it's been working well for a long time, but I want to start the feeding routine with my new python right.

Honestly I have never fed my ball pythons or bloods in separate enclosures and I have never had any problems. IMO it doesn't make sense to feed outside the enclosure.


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Originally Posted by King Neptune

Hi everybody.

I bought a baby ball python today and couldn't be happier. I'm very excited to watch him live and grow into a healthy adult. Currently the only other pet I own is a corn snake. My experience with my corn snake has been great, which was a big part of my decision to go for the ball python experience.

I've read many care guides for both snake species, and they all agree that it's a good idea to use a separate tank to feed. When I first got my corn snake about 18 months ago I would do this, but eventually I stopped because although my corn is generally very docile, she didn't like being handled after her feeding. Because handling after feeding can cause regurgitation, and she wasn't very cooperative, I quit the habit. I would absolutely hate to make my snake regurgitate.

So my question for you all is: After feeding in a separate tank, how do you safely get your ball pythons back in their home tank?

I'm honestly not concerned about my corn snakes feeding habits any as it's been working well for a long time, but I want to start the feeding routine with my new python right.

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theres no need to feed in a seperte enclosure, it wont make the snake cage aggressive. if your worried about it, try feeding at the same time of day every time. and small pieces of substrate being ingested isnt going to hurt them either. if you do want to feed in a seperate enclosure, just pick up the snake carefully, and give it as much support as you can, and dont bend or mess with the area that the prey is in.

Start your routine right.

Do not use a separate feeding tank.

Those who can do, do.

Those who can't do, write care sheets.

I have only ever used a separate feeding tank for the rare stubborn feeder.

It is much better if you don't use one, both for you and the snake. The myth that it makes them aggressive is just that, a myth. Even my 6' females get fed in their tubs, and the only time I get the least bit of aggression is when they think I'm being to slow with the food. :D

Gale

Wow you respond fast lol. Awesome, I guess I'll just try to feed in the enclosure.

I guess one of the many great things about the internet is dispelling these myths that are so common.

I have hatched many hundreds of reptiles and have never used a separate feeding enclosure for ball pythons for any reason.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by King Neptune

I guess one of the many great things about the internet is dispelling these myths that are so common.

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It tends to either purport the myths, or dispel them!

I do recommend feeding in the tub/tank - its easier on everyone. But do remember to clean up any stray guts if your snake happens to like to hit their prey so hard that they split open :P