whats the correct,responsible way to feed your snake a live prey?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ddbjdealer

Okay, okay... I'll do it... Nothin else to do this early in the morning. ;) :)

---

Thank you!

I am a true beleiver and follower of feeding out side the cage....I feed all of my snakes in a "feeding box" and have never had a problem....The snakes don't seemed to mind either. I know this is a subject with much highly heated debate, but I'm going to have to go with eightleggedfreak on this one. Also, feeding in the cage could cause your snake to accidentally ingest bedding. Do whatever works for you - and your snake.

We've always fed in their home enclosures whether it was f/t, p/k or live (we now feed all our bp's live prey exclusively). We do not have any problems with aggressive behaviour as they are quite used to my hands being in their pretty much daily either doing husbandry or removing them for short handling sessions. I stick to an absolute routine as far as feeding.

Feeding is Thursday evenings around here after dark. On Thursday their only contact with a human is a quick lid opening to make sure all is nice and tidy and their water is filled. That's it, very different from my usual husbandry routine. By the time we open their tubs that evening most of them are either out of their hides looking for prey or lurking in the hide entrance waiting for dinner. They get used to our routines and know in their own snake way that is feeding day I guess.

We put the live rat on the opposite side of the enclosure to the snake (never dropped in their face) and then monitor the feed quietly. It usually takes no more than seconds to a few moments for them to hit their prey. We remove any live prey that hasn't been taken in 10 to 20 minutes tops but it rarely ever takes our snakes that long to decide to strike. If they refuse, they get offered prey again on the next Thursday.

We make sure they are offered healthy live prey that has itself eaten well and had access to fresh water so that the prey is the best it can be and is not half crazed for food and water itself.

Just our way, certainly not the only way.


~~Jo~~

As far as ingesting bedding goes, I don't know what you use for bedding, if your snake happens to ingest some it will digest it fine. That stomach breaks down mouse bone and hair. One or two little aspen shavings or something won't be the end of the world.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

I am a true beleiver and follower of feeding out side the cage....I feed all of my snakes in a "feeding box" and have never had a problem....The snakes don't seemed to mind either. I know this is a subject with much highly heated debate, but I'm going to have to go with eightleggedfreak on this one. Also, feeding in the cage could cause your snake to accidentally ingest bedding. Do whatever works for you - and your snake.

---

You do disinfect the feeding box between feedings, right? Just wanted to mention that for anyone who would be interested in it. :D

Feeding boxes work fine, but I don't think it's good to say that it makes them prone to aggression toward the owner unless you've experienced that. The same with the bedding issue. I've had mine get pieces down a couple times, but have never had a problem with that.

The great thing about this site, is that we can respect your choice as long as it works for you and your snake. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

Also, feeding in the cage could cause your snake to accidentally ingest bedding.

---

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hornsrule

As far as ingesting bedding goes, I don't know what you use for bedding, if your snake happens to ingest some it will digest it fine. That stomach breaks down mouse bone and hair. One or two little aspen shavings or something won't be the end of the world.

---

hornsrule's post took the words right out of my mouth... Aspen isn't a problem at all with your snake digesting it. And if you're that worried about your snake ingesting a little dab of substrate, then change to paper... it's cheaper and your snake won't ingest any of it.

But, like 4theSNAKElady said.. do whatever works for you and your BP.

i use wooden bedding.
anyways. since it didnt eat i'll wait for another week i guess.
i was holding the mouse by the tail when it suddenly decided to bite the snake while its in its hiding ;l i just pulled it away quickly. i left it in the cage for couple of mnts. i didnt see any reaction. i mean the snake didn't come out so i took it out.

i guess i'll have to wait another week :) thanx for the great advice people.

http://www.proexotics.com/graphics/b...ive_prey_1.jpg
OUCH!!!!!!!!.... :( im sure no one wants his snake to end up like that ;/

adam. you said you'd make sounds . but if i remember correctly. snakes are deaf? right? how about tapping the wooden cage in a special pattern

Does anyone know the actual verified information about that photograph. It gets hauled out and displayed all over the internet as a reason to not live feed and personally I'd like to know the background on this. I've heard about 10 different stories on it.


~~Jo~~

hmmm what kinda stories did you hear? ...
this picture makes me never want to leave the mouse for a long period of time with the snake. atleast i would watch everything from far away! :)