=(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by elevatethis

Sometimes I feel like bp.net is more like MythBusters for ball pythons...

Their systems can handle a small piece of aspen here and there, accidentally ingested during feeding. No need to change it out.

---

Exactly, but if you're that worried lay down a piece of newspaper. You'll be fine. :gj: I've fed on aspen, with no problems. (even with a few pieces consumed)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by elevatethis

She will become more conditioned to when its feeding time and when its not feeding time. I've found that all of my adults are completely laid back during handling, but are merciless with the rats on feeding day.

---

...killing machines. I love it!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dreamer

...killing machines. I love it!

---

...I like 'feeding' machines better...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by elevatethis

...I like 'feeding' machines better...

---

Either way..whichever comes first. It is nature at it's best in any way you look at it.

I will also feed in the enclosure, and leave the snake in his hide. Problem is that lately he's been off feed and the mouse will actually run into the hide with him. He's apparently not hungry, but can that put a lot of stress on him?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by racerjay

I will also feed in the enclosure, and leave the snake in his hide. Problem is that lately he's been off feed and the mouse will actually run into the hide with him. He's apparently not hungry, but can that put a lot of stress on him?

---

Not sure. I have never had a problem with feeding. The first day I got mine was her scheduled feeding day. I didn't have a problem with her then and I still don't.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Dreamer

The substrate. It's aspen and I don't want to change it.

---

So don't change it. :) I fed 15 ball pythons on aspen in their enclosure for over a year before I switched to newspaper.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by racerjay

I will also feed in the enclosure, and leave the snake in his hide. Problem is that lately he's been off feed and the mouse will actually run into the hide with him. He's apparently not hungry, but can that put a lot of stress on him?

---

If the mouse can run into the hide with him, your hides are too big.

How long are you allowing the mouse to be in with him when he's refusing?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rabernet

If the mouse can run into the hide with him, your hides are too big.

How long are you allowing the mouse to be in with him when he's refusing?

---

I'll admit that it's a little too big, but he's right in between sizes right now. He barely fits into the smaller one and I don't feel it's big enough for him. (his head is out one end and his tail sticks out the other. :) I've been looking at pet stores for something in between but haven't had the luck just yet.

The mouse is in there for about 20 minutes. By then I know he's not interested and take it back out. The mouse isn't in the hide for 20 minutes...the mouse scampers in and out.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by racerjay

I'll admit that it's a little too big, but he's right in between sizes right now. He barely fits into the smaller one and I don't feel it's big enough for him. (his head is out one end and his tail sticks out the other. :) I've been looking at pet stores for something in between but haven't had the luck just yet.

The mouse is in there for about 20 minutes. By then I know he's not interested and take it back out. The mouse isn't in the hide for 20 minutes...the mouse scampers in and out.

---

Just a tip you might want to try. Try placing the container you bring the mouse home in next to or on top of your snake's cage for about 20 mins prior to feeding. Leave the room during this time. Chances are your snake will "wake up" and start to get into feeding mode without being intimidated by a mouse suddenly rushing into his hide.