Doesn't constrict when eating?

I got my new four-month old BP five days ago and fed him a F/T mouse for the first time today. I noticed that he didn't really constrict the prey after grabbing it. He just kind of held onto it with his neck over it for about 10 seconds and then started eating.

Most of the time when I watch other people's BPs feed on YouTube they grab the prey and wrap a few coils around it but mine didn't do that. Is this okay or is it an abnormal feeding response?

Congrats that he ate! Honestly that's all that matters LOL

Usually when a snake gets used to taking f/t, they stop wrapping as thoroughly. Most of mine just throw a neck or a single coil over the prey and start swallowing. It is normal feeding response.

There are quite a few stories on here about ones that won’t eat in front of their owners. Meaning the Prey is just left outside of the hide, grabbed then swallowed with no constricting what so ever. I had one or two like that myself. ;)

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Congrats that he ate! Honestly that's all that matters LOL

Usually when a snake gets used to taking f/t, they stop wrapping as thoroughly. Most of mine just throw a neck or a single coil over the prey and start swallowing. It is normal feeding response.

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Thank you! That's good to know. I'm so relieved that he ate today, I was nervous for the whole week up to the feeding since I've read a lot about how they are easily stressed and finicky with food.

That's a beautiful snake in your signature by the way!

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Originally Posted by Sonny1318

There are quite a few stories on here about ones that won’t eat in front of their owners. Meaning the Prey is just left outside of the hide, grabbed then swallowed with no constricting what so ever. I had one or two like that myself. ;)

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That's very interesting! I always imagined they wouldn't recognize prey that isn't freshly warmed or alive. Good to know that leaving the prey in for a while if they don't take it right away is also an option.

My youngest barely wraps up. I found that if I lightly tug on the tail of the rat she will construct tighter. Not really necessary since I feed pre-killed, but it makes her feel like a real life wild snake....LOL [emoji16]. My oldest a lot of times will not even strike, he grabs the mouse, pulls it out of the Tongs and starts eating. I generally don’t worry too much as long as the eat.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e8b58fd716.jpg

That’s the old man, he’s actually only 9 months old.


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As Mb80 described, the "tail-tug" is actually a good tip to know. My older rosy boa will sometimes half-heartedly take a f/t mouse & just sit there, until I tug
on the tail with my tongs, & THEN she'll constrict it harder & generally eat it. (rosy boas tend to go off-feed a little in winter months) Just a slight tug though.

Nothing to worry about. Not all snakes will wrap and constrict if the prey isn't putting up a fight.

As long as the snake is eating, I wouldn't sweat it at all.

You should light a candle and say a prayer every time they eat. lol It really sucks when you get one that wont.

Thank you for the input everyone, this definitely puts me at ease. It's also good to know about the tip of tugging the mouse slightly once the snake grabs it, I'll try that next time.

@Mb80 looks like your 9-month old is enjoying his meal :D

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Originally Posted by cletus

You should light a candle and say a prayer every time they eat. lol It really sucks when you get one that wont.

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Haha it's certainly something to be grateful for! I never thought seeing a pet eat would make me so happy.

Another poor snek with issues. Send it immediately to Maine.