Feed in seperate container?

I have read a lot about feeding, and some people insist on a seperate feeding container, and others just toss 'em in the normal environment. I've tried the seperate container, and he always just explores the edges/lid and has no interest in the pinkie. Last night I tried to place the pinkie on a paper plate inside his normal tank, and he pushed it with his nose a couple of times, but never ate. I did notice that the pinkie is only about half as big around as he is, which seems too small to me. Would having too small of prey discourage him from feeding? (I'm using pinkies because the pet store suggested it for the first couple of feedings)

The pinky doesn't sound big enough but he should eat it. You need something the same size as the snakes body. There is no good reason to feed in a seperate container. The only real reason anyone can come up with is to make sure they don't bite you thinking it is feed time. They will not bite unless they smell food. There is also less stress feeding in their enclosure.

If it is a pinkie mouse, yes it is WAY too small.

Feed a prey slighly smaller than the girth size (widest part of your BP's body)

Has this BP ate for you yet?

Actually FatBoy there is a good reason to feeding in a separat enclosure... Over time the snakes will associate the feeding tub with food. In the end its up to you what you do. If your snake eats out of its tub and you want to continue that then theres nothing wrong with that. I do have 1 out of 11 snakes that will not eat in a separate tub so she is fed in her tub. Do whatever works for you and your snake... neither one is wrong as long as your snake eats.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deborah

Has this BP ate for you yet?

---

Nope, still trying to get over that first hurdle.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sneakerpro

Nope, still trying to get over that first hurdle.

---

How long have you had your snake for?

How old is he?

How big is he(weight)?

What type of enclosure do you use?

How big is your enclosure?

Is your enclosure in a low traffic area?

What are your temps (cool & warm side)?

What is your humidity?

What type of thermometer/hygrometer do you use (dial,stick,or digital)?

What kind of hides do you provide (log, homemade, cubbyholes etc) and how many do you have?

Are your hides tight (all side touching your BP's body) and identical?

Have you handle your BP since you have had him?

holy crap ^ :weirdface

How long have you had your snake for?
almost 3 weeks

How old is he?
no idea, he is about 22" long tho

How big is he(weight)?
no idea

What type of enclosure do you use?
aquarium

How big is your enclosure?
30x12x12

Is your enclosure in a low traffic area?
not exactly, but we're never home so there really isn't any traffic

What are your temps (cool & warm side)?
cool side 78-80/warm side 89/91

What is your humidity?
mid 40's, but I just switched to cypress mulch so it should come up a little.

What type of thermometer/hygrometer do you use (dial,stick,or digital)?
two digitals, one on each end

What kind of hides do you provide (log, homemade, cubbyholes etc) and how many do you have?
i have a half log on the cool side, and then a branch/plant that provides a good spot on the warm side

Are your hides tight (all side touching your BP's body) and identical?
the half log isn't very tight at all

Have you handle your BP since you have had him?
yes, 3-4 times a week

First you need to know when acquiring a new BP it is recommended to leave him alone for a week with no handling.

I would highly recommend you to downsize the enclosure 10 gallons tank or 15 quarts tub.

Provide 2 tight identical hides (all side touching your BP body), avoid log hides as they don’t really provide adequate security.

I read you were offering every 3 to 4 days just offer once a week, if you offer too soon after a refusal this only lead to more refusal.

Make a few changes and stop handling your BP. Once a week has passed offer food (a prey slightly smaller than the girth size)

Do not handle your BP until absolutely necessary, wait until he eat successfully for you at least once, even than only handle him every other day until he eats with consistency.

I would advise you to feed in the enclosure feeding outside can cause stress which can lead to a refusal, don’t worry if you have a good feeding schedule your BP will know when feeding day is, I would also recommend you to pre-scent the room.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sneakerpro

holy crap ^ :weirdface

---

Believe it or not, every single question she asked you was absolutely valid and very needed information. One of the things you should understand is refusing to eat isn't the problem, it's a symptom of a problem or set of problems. Having those questions answered helps our membership get a better fix on how your snake lives, the prey it's offered, the feeding method you use, etc. Even just having an idea of it's size is important to begin to suggest a proper prey size. With all those questions answered, you are more likely to get good ideas offered that will help you and your snake. :)