First in-tank feed: substrate question?
I'm heating up his mice now, but Magnus has never been fed in his tank before, I always used to put him in a feeding tub. I understand that can get stressful, plus I now have two adult cats and an inquisitive kitten who wants to know what's going on in the big purple tub :P So I decided it would be safer to feed him in-tank. Now, he's on a cocunut-fiber substrate. If it gets on the mouse, is it still ok for him to ingest? =/ It sounds like a newbie question because it is, for this situation.
Re: First in-tank feed: substrate question?
no problem. it only causes problems when they eat a piece of wood that is too large to naturally pass.
in nature they often end up swallowing a bit of sand or dirt or some leaves or some small pieces of bark or wood. so a bit of substrate wont do any harm. also coconut husk is completely natural and non-toxic.
Re: First in-tank feed: substrate question?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Archimedes
Ooooh, poor baby just struck a chunk of substrate instead of mousie.... =/ I know he'll be ok, he just looks... confused and displeased with the taste.
He's REALLY reluctant to try again after that faceful of coconut. Concerned mama is concerned.
Re: First in-tank feed: substrate question?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Archimedes
He's REALLY reluctant to try again after that faceful of coconut. Concerned mama is concerned.
Well, just ended up starting over with a fresh, warm mouse. Looks like it's easier for him to do direct tong-feeding in his tank. Strike up rather than down. Haha.
He's successfully eating now. Thanks for the moral support! ^-^
Re: First in-tank feed: substrate question?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Xazereth
I'll just throw in my 2 cents: I wouldn't feed him in his tank. I also use eco-earth (cocount fiber) as substrate and I'm sure that if he ingested a little he would be fine. But why take the chance? Plus then he could think your hand is food once he starts expecting his food to be dropped into his tank. I don't see how the cats would be a problem if you feed him in a closed room or just supervise the feeding and keep the cats at bay. Overall, you'll probably be fine, but better safe than sorry - I personally will always feed my BP outside of her cage.
Edit: Cool to see you're in PA! Pittsburgh here. Best of luck!
Actually, your chances of getting bitten is higher if you feed in a separate container. He will associate getting moved to getting fed. And if you use a feeding bin, you're going to be moving a snake who may still be in feeding mode back to the enclosure. That may prompt an accidental strike.
I've fed all of my snakes in their own cage without any issue or behavior change. Most people here will say the same. A ball python knows the difference between you and food...
But whatever works for you.
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Re: First in-tank feed: substrate question?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
satomi325
Actually, your chances of getting bitten is higher if you feed in a separate container. He will associate getting moved to getting fed. And if you use a feeding bin, you're going to be moving a snake who may still be in feeding mode back to the enclosure. That may prompt an accidental strike.
Yeah, this was something I'd not heard before I came over here to BPNet. I'd been taught the opposite, so that's how I started doing it. But As I did more research and watched threads, I realized that it can generally be more hazardous for their health and reactivity, what with sudden temperature variations and the stress of handling after feeding.
We were off to a rough start there for a bit, but I get the idea now. And honestly, it's less of a production for me, to just let him do his business and get on with life without having to supervise against cats. My apartment is entirely open, studio-style, so there's not really any place to put them while Magnus is feeding. I used to stand guard with the repti-mister and shoo them off. Haha.
