Feed in seperate container

I don't take them out....I feel that they are most comfortable where they know their own space and are used to. I can reach in their any time and I'm not mistaken for food. In my snake room when I feed one...and the rest are just laying there, within seconds they are all moving around looking for food like hungry piranhas since they smell it. I can reach in and pick one up that hasn't eaten, put it back, and they will take a live rat right out of my hand before it gets to the ground. I haven't been bit yet, and don't plan on it. (knock on wood)

But like it's been stated....whatever works for your situation is the best way.

I am still really new to the world of snakes, so I am just trying to get it all down.

We were feeding seperate, but after the advise given on this thread We decided that the next feeding will be done in her tank.

We have only had one feeding with her, so we do not have much of an opinion on it yet, we are just trying to figure out what works for her.

She is an amazingly calm BP, nothing really seems to bother her. She seems just as comfortable anywhere and in any situation in our home. Me thinks we got pretty lucky with this one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

Here's my thoughts on this one:

If you like to feed in a separate enclosure and it works for you....then go for it! No reason not to.

If you like to feed in their own enclosure and it works for you....then go for it! No reason not to.

Each method has its risks and benefits....the risks for either are pretty minor and the ultimate benefit is a snake that eats. It really, really doesn't matter...so long as the snake is eating and the keeper is acting responsibly.

---

Couldn't agree more.

Merged both thread for you :gj:

I just want to clarify, I feed F/T I don't think its a serious of a risk as some say it is but I'm not taking the chance of my snakes being hurt in the process. And why shouldn't the "feeding response" intrigue me. It doesn't "pleasure" me, I'm not a sadist. I do find it remarkable how they have "learned" that when they're in the feeding box its time to eat and their demeanor changes accordingly. If that makes me sick then break out the thorazine. I'm new to this website but sometimes it ticks me off how matters of opinion turn into oppotunities for others to talk in a condescending manner. Sometimes I'm made to feel like I'm an idiot when really I'm just trying to be a more informed and more responsible snake owner. Thanks for your replies

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by adamsmasher

I just want to clarify, I feed F/T I don't think its a serious of a risk as some say it is but I'm not taking the chance of my snakes being hurt in the process. And why shouldn't the "feeding response" intrigue me. It doesn't "pleasure" me, I'm not a sadist. I do find it remarkable how they have "learned" that when they're in the feeding box its time to eat and their demeanor changes accordingly. If that makes me sick then break out the thorazine. I'm new to this website but sometimes it ticks me off how matters of opinion turn into oppotunities for others to talk in a condescending manner. Sometimes I'm made to feel like I'm an idiot when really I'm just trying to be a more informed and more responsible snake owner. Thanks for your replies

---

I wasn't intending on being defensive, but you obviously took it that way.
The feeding response for a ball python is often more of a private thing, how would you feel if you were stared at while you ate?
I just don't see the general point of feeding outside of the enclosure, especially to watch the snake eat, when one can do that inside the enclosure just as well without disturbing them. It's our job to take care of our animals the best we can, and any risk in my opinion, is completely unnecessary for the amusement of the owner.
I feed f/t too, but I don't know what that has to do with this.

They don't need a separate enclosure to think that food is coming, thats why most of us pre-scent. ;)

I did at one point feed my snakes in a separate containers, but found that it seemed to stress them out. It would take them longer to get comfortable in the separate container before they would feed. I have now stopped this practice and started feeding them in their cages. They seem more ready to feed, and they take their food much quicker. Now this isn't to say that feeding in a separate container is bad but, I never saw the benefits. My snakes never seem to be more prone to snap at me when I open the cage.

It all comes down to what works for you and your snakes. Some snakes are picky eaters and will only eat under certain conditions. As far as it changing the snakes temperament, I found this to be not true. Hope this helps.

I do not think you have to feel defensive.

We do things differently based on myriad reasons. Someone with one snake is going to do things differently than someone with 40 snakes. A person new to the hobby is going to do it different than someone ten years in... as long as it is working for you, and it is working for your snake, then that is all that matters.

Part of these threads and this dialogue is learning what works, taking from it what you can, and implementing it if it works for you.

As you get into the hobby more you are going to learn so much, but open, learn from others, and keep with what works for you AND your snake.

Just a thought.
Bruce

since i have had my snake (roughly 4ish years, and i only have one) i have tried several attempts at feeding in his tank, however he won't take the rat... but then i put him in the box and ~presto~ he eats...
so.. i guess sometimes its just up to snake
(he's kinda a picky eater...)

I only feed my live feeder in a separate tub. I gives him a little more room to get the mouse without anything in the way.

Currently, I only have 2 snakes ($$ permitting), and have noticed some interesting behaviors concerning feeding. My '07 normal has been fed in a separate container every single meal since I've had him (apr 4/08), except once. Also, this same container is used to house him while performing monthly mega cleans. The behavior I've noticed is this: When it's feeding day, he's on 2 layers of paper towel, the lid goes on (so I can prep the rat), and he immediately gets poised, ready to strike, like he knows what's up. HOWEVER, when I clean his regular cage, he's on 2 layers of paper towel, with NO lid, and he's calm as ever. Also, the one time I fed him in his home, he almost acted confused, and was quite hesitant to strike, no matter what zombie dance moves I tried. It seems as if he has learned this:
tub+lid=food
tub-lid= no food
Home= no food
Has anyone ever conducted any type of psychology experiments with snakes? Like Pavlov's pythons or anything?