Hello and progress thread

Hello all! I think I know most of you already. First time snake owner! Finally picked up my snaby today and I can honestly say this is a dream come through. Still not solid on the name yet but I’m thinking Leonard Nipples, Lenny for short. Anyways this little guy came from a previous owner who got him from a local breeder. He’s a year old and very friendly, 2 ft long. His previous owner says he eats like a champ which I can believe because he looks a little chubby to me! But we’ve got a vet visit scheduled for a couple weeks from now so the vet will let me know how his condition is. He’s just a plain ol’ pied but he is so gorgeous. It’s really a shame, my camera just can’t do him justice, it washes out all the orange and warm tones. Anyways, happy to finally be here!

Um first time mom question, when should I give him his first feed? Also what are the opinions around here about feeding in the enclosure (“tat”) or out of? I think I’m inclined to pull him and keep the feeding to a designated feeding tub so he doesn’t get defensive when I reach into his enclosure.

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I'm sure someone with more credentials will give you a more comprehensive answer, but the consensus seems to be feed in the enclosure. Handling the snake around feeding time causes stress, and feeding in the enclosure won't cause defensiveness.

Also, anecdotal evidence that doesn't matter: feeding in the enclosure has always worked great for me.

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Originally Posted by ROSIEonFIRE

Um first time mom question, when should I give him his first feed? Also what are the opinions around here about feeding in the enclosure (“tat”) or out of? I think I’m inclined to pull him and keep the feeding to a designated feeding tub so he doesn’t get defensive when I reach into his enclosure.

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Give him a week to settle in before feeding him. Don't move to feed. You risk a regurgitation when returning him to his enclosure. Let him eat where he feels the most secure.

To start he’s a pretty awesome looking pied! Members have laid out two good points and a fair time to offer food. I would always feed in the enclosure, just works for me. Anytime I’ve been struck is because I have my hand in there with a rat present. I’m sure if you don’t lose focus like me and pull your hand out you’ll be fine lol. I would also like to add that you want to stick to the same prey item the seller was offering. Just helps in getting him to eat for you.

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Originally Posted by KingPythons

To start he’s a pretty awesome looking pied! Members have laid out two good points and a fair time to offer food. I would always feed in the enclosure, just works for me. Anytime I’ve been struck is because I have my hand in there with a rat present. I’m sure if you don’t lose focus like me and pull your hand out you’ll be fine lol. I would also like to add that you want to stick to the same prey item the seller was offering. Just helps in getting him to eat for you.

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Honestly I’m a bit surprised that there would be so much consensus around feeding in the enclosure. I was planning to feed him in a tub but I think I’ll try feeding in the enclosure. I definitely see the risks of moving the snake after a feed.

Isn’t he gorgeous? I remember the first time I ever saw a pied it literally took my breath away. I still think even regular old pieds are so beautiful. That’s not to say I wouldn’t love to have something a little bit snappier as well down the line but he is a nice looking boy! I can’t wait for him to get settled so I can handle him.

Beautiful indeed! I think we all want you to have a pleasant experience and not deal with some of our mistakes (or just mines). Naturally, the decision is always yours, and consequently, your experience will be accordingly.

Long time snake keeper here- I always feed them where they live. Very simple to read their body language to avoid bites-& if you're not sure, they can easily be blocked (if they're in their hide peeking out, as is typical for a hungry BP, since they are NOT active "hunters", just use a piece of cardboard in front of the doorway of the hide they're in- like if you want to reach in to tidy up or change the water bowl), or sidetracked (a cool water spray mist to their face is just like rain in the wild, doesn't hurt them but easily "changes the channel"-in fact, many snakes will drink from a water spray).

Just always ASSUME they're hungry & may think you're incoming prey- don't wear "rodent scent" (wash well after handling their food). Hungry BPs may go after your heat signature & scent...they don't visually recognize you even though we're huge compared to their food- they're not "logical" about size. So just avoid confusing them, see?

It's stressful for most snakes to be moved just prior to eating- they lose their focus, & may feel too timid to eat where they don't feel safe. BPs are "ambush predators" & instinctively avoid eating in the open, because that's how they become dinner for something bigger than they are. Feed at night also- dim light preferred, & keep a low profile so you don't distract them.

Remember the only thing that picks up a snake in the wild is a predator that's about to eat THEM, so when you pick up a snake to put in a side tub, it may not feel like eating- fear kills the appetite (even though they seem mellow & unafraid, they rely on instincts).

Lots of good explanations; here's my take: always feed in the enclosure unless (a) there is an actually existing and important reason not to, and (b) if there is such a reason, all the simplest/least stressful fixes have been thoroughly tried.

The 'reading their body language' comment needs a lot of stars -- that's such an underappreciated part of herp keeping (especially ball pythons, which are pretty open with their "feelings" compared to other snake species).

I just weight Snaby and he is EXACTLY 420g so happy 420 to those who celebrate lol


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Hooray! First feed was a success! He snapped up the mouse right away. It was my first ever feed, what a cool experience :)