I kind of joined the bite club today
I could tell that Atticus wanted a second mouse today because he always does. And as always, I disappointed him. He must have been feeling extra feisty because when I went to transfer him back to his tank, he struck me. He didn't bite down, and there was no pain, no marks, And no blood. It was a halfhearted effort really. So do I get half credit? :)
Re: I kind of joined the bite club today
I agree with the others, it's definitely best to feed them in their enclosures. That's where they feel most secure and it reduces the chances of a regurge or getting bit. Moving a snake that's in feed mode is asking to get tagged. My kings are normally very aggressive feeders and once they get into a feeding frenzy they're ready to hit anything that's close and warm. I used to feed in a separate tub too and after a month or so I started listening to some more experienced keepers and I've been feeding in their enclosures for a few years now with no problems. None of my snakes have ever bitten me and none have had any impaction from digested substrate. Those were my two main concerns.
Re: I kind of joined the bite club today
I don't worry about cage aggression. I worry about the mess. Atticus struck and then refused a mouse once, and I initially thought nothing of the blood splatters, but wow! It really got nasty. I have worried ever since about potentially inviting that kind of decay into his enclosure. What strategies do you guys use to minimize mess?
Re: I kind of joined the bite club today
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Shamri
I don't worry about cage aggression. I worry about the mess. Atticus struck and then refused a mouse once, and I initially thought nothing of the blood splatters, but wow! It really got nasty. I have worried ever since about potentially inviting that kind of decay into his enclosure. What strategies do you guys use to minimize mess?
Usually it is a very clean process but the few times Ive had blood come out or the guts pop out I just wait until the snake is done eating and then clean the mess when it retreats to a hide.