Keeping mice in the same room as my snake?

This isnt really a question, but just want to know anyone else's experiences with keeping mice or other rodents in the same room as your snake. I feed my BP live because no matter how hard iv tried he refuses to eat pre killed or F/T. Anywho I've been keeping several mice at a time in an enclosure in the same room as my snake so I can feed the mice better nutritious food, making them more nutritious for Twig (my bp) and at first he seemed to become a bit more fiesty, striking at me when I was getting his water bowl or fixing something up in his enclosure or whatever and he wasnt like that before, it took about a week or so before he quit striking at my hand hoping for food (I feed him in a seperate tub anyways) anyone else have any experience with keeping rodents in the same room and did your snakes behavior change when you did?

Edit: although he doesn't strike at me anymore, he still hisses sits there like he wants to strike and I gotta go in for that confident grab and just scoop him up and then he is good. Just forgot to mention.

I kept mice and rats and snakes in the same room for 4 years when I first started without any issues.


On a side note

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(I feed him in a seperate tub anyways)

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That is exactly how you will get tag, snakes will be in feed mod hours before and hours after being fed and moving an animal to feed is what you SHOULDN"T do as it increase the chances of you getting bit.

I hope you're not renting where you live, as mice raised over time will impart an odor to your room (home) that you may get used to but landlords won't welcome-
as it's not easily removed.

Agree that you're asking for bites by feeding in separate container...never a good idea, can also stress some snakes into NOT eating (due to your handling), and
some snakes stay pumped up to feed again (aka "feed mode") for hours or even a day+, so MORE likely to bite you when you have to return them to regular cage.

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Originally Posted by Deborah

On a side note That is exactly how you will get tag, snakes will be in feed mod hours before and hours after being fed and moving an animal to feed is what you SHOULDN"T do as it increase the chances of you getting bit.

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He was striking for food in his reg enclosure when it wasnt even close to his feeding day. I feed him in a seperate enclosure to avoid "tank aggression" or thinking my hand is food when I reach in for him. And I pick him up with a hook to transfer to and from his feeding tub, and use my hand for regular handling. Granted this is my first snake, I did a ton of research and on countless forums/websites/videos suggest feeding in a seperate enclosure for this reason. I believe this is just preference to individual owners and individual snakes. Like I said, I havnt really had much of a problem after a week or so of moving in the mice.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

He was striking for food in his reg enclosure when it wasnt even close to his feeding day. I feed him in a seperate enclosure to avoid "tank aggression" or thinking my hand is food when I reach in for him. And I pick him up with a hook to transfer to and from his feeding tub, and use my hand for regular handling. Granted this is my first snake, I did a ton of research and on countless forums/websites/videos suggest feeding in a seperate enclosure for this reason. I believe this is just preference to individual owners and individual snakes. Like I said, I havnt really had much of a problem after a week or so of moving in the mice.

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There is no such a thing as tank aggression, this is a myth and a persistent one at that, ask yourself this how do you think people with HUNDREDS of snakes feed their snakes, how do you think people with giants feed their snakes, how do you think people with hots feed their snakes? And why?

All you do by moving your snake is stressing it before a meal which with a BP will sooner or later lead to refusal and taking risks.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I hope you're not renting where you live, as mice raised over time will impart an odor to your room (home) that you may get used to but landlords won't welcome-
as it's not easily removed.

Agree that you're asking for bites by feeding in separate container...never a good idea, can also stress some snakes into NOT eating (due to your handling), and
some snakes stay pumped up to feed again (aka "feed mode") for hours or even a day+, so MORE likely to bite you when you have to return them to regular cage.

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I'm not renting, and I clean the mice tank between every 4-7 days, and i have yet to have an issue with odor so far *figures crossed* also I use a hook to transfer to and from feeding enclosure, my hand for reg handling, he eats just fine in it, and hes not been as food aggressive after a week or so from the mice moving in. And he was being a butt even when it wasnt even close to feeding day (monday) and be nippy on a wed/thurs

"Tank aggression"- much better ways to avoid, but this BAD idea to feed in separate container has been around & shared for a long time...have fun. :rolleyes:

Many of us here have literally decades of experience with countless snakes that we are trying to share with you.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Granted this is my first snake, I did a ton of research and on countless forums/websites/videos suggest feeding in a seperate enclosure for this reason. I believe this is just preference to individual owners and individual snakes. Like I said, I havnt really had much of a problem after a week or so of moving in the mice.

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Hey, I'm not trying to knock you here, but trying to help. Your "ton" of research clearly wasn't enough since you were feeding prey smaller than BPs eat out of the egg.

Between the two other members (both of whom are fantastic, knowledgeable keepers) trying to help you, and now myself, there is nearly 50 years of experience with many, many snakes of multiple species telling you a seperate feeding tub is a bad idea.

A seperate feeding tub is old school and proven counter productive over time.
1) this will increase your chance of rhe snake refusing the meal since you have to move the snake before feeding and moving = stress
2) this will increase your chance of the snake regurgitating it's prey since, now the snake has to be moved AGAIN. And moving = stress.
3) this will drastically increase your chances of being bitten since the snake will remain in feed mode after eating.

Again, not trying to knock you, but trying to help.

Avoiding the "cage aggression" by feeding in a separate tub can result in not only stress, but "Oh look! My human taking me out of the tank. Must be to feed me!" = snake going into feeding mode every time you take him out of the tank.

Top-opening cages/tanks are usually to blame if there's any "cage aggression" since our hands swooping down is a lot like a bird or other predator would. I like to use the "Tapping method" to knock my snake out of feed/aggression/defensive mode. Usually when he's in his hide. I'll tap the ground, then his hide, then lift up the hide, put it back down, and repeat a few times just so my snake knows it's me and isn't surprised when I scoop him up to take him out.

Keepers with a large collection feed in the enclosure for convenience.

Keepers who have giant snakes such as reticulated pythons, burmese pythons, or anacondas, feed in the enclosure to avoid ER visits.

Keepers who have venomous snakes feed in the enclosure to avoid trips to the ER or morgue.

I have a few adult retics that are anywhere from 14-15 feet long and weigh in at 100-120 pounds. You are more than welcome to come to my place, pull any one of them out of the enclosure to feed it, and then put it back afterward. I just get all rights to the video footage because it's going on YouTube.

I would LOVE to find out just where you read that feeding in a separate enclosure is a good idea, so I can go debunk them. I have looked for the sites that advise it's a good idea and have come up with nothing.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

He was striking for food in his reg enclosure when it wasnt even close to his feeding day...

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Probably hunger...you were feeding too little, most likely.

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Avoiding the "cage aggression" by feeding in a separate tub can result in not only stress, but "Oh look! My human taking me out of the tank. Must be to feed me!" = snake going into feeding mode every time you take him out of the tank.

Top-opening cages/tanks are usually to blame if there's any "cage aggression" since our hands swooping down is a lot like a bird or other predator would. I like to use the "Tapping method" to knock my snake out of feed/aggression/defensive mode. Usually when he's in his hide. I'll tap the ground, then his hide, then lift up the hide, put it back down, and repeat a few times just so my snake knows it's me and isn't surprised when I scoop him up to take him out.

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I havnt heard of this technique, that's pretty cool. It's like knocking before entering lol. I'll give it a go. Thank you

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Originally Posted by 55fingers

Avoiding the "cage aggression" by feeding in a separate tub can result in not only stress, but "Oh look! My human taking me out of the tank. Must be to feed me!" = snake going into feeding mode every time you take him out of the tank.

Top-opening cages/tanks are usually to blame if there's any "cage aggression" since our hands swooping down is a lot like a bird or other predator would. I like to use the "Tapping method" to knock my snake out of feed/aggression/defensive mode. Usually when he's in his hide. I'll tap the ground, then his hide, then lift up the hide, put it back down, and repeat a few times just so my snake knows it's me and isn't surprised when I scoop him up to take him out.

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I havnt heard if this technique, its pretty cool. It's like knocking before entering lol.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

Keepers with a large collection feed in the enclosure for convenience.

Keepers who have giant snakes such as reticulated pythons, burmese pythons, or anacondas, feed in the enclosure to avoid ER visits.

Keepers who have venomous snakes feed in the enclosure to avoid trips to the ER or morgue.

I have a few adult retics that are anywhere from 14-15 feet long and weigh in at 100-120 pounds. You are more than welcome to come to my place, pull any one of them out of the enclosure to feed it, and then put it back afterward. I just get all rights to the video footage because it's going on YouTube.

I would LOVE to find out just where you read that feeding in a separate enclosure is a good idea, so I can go debunk them. I have looked for the sites that advise it's a good idea and have come up with nothing.

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Great post but better location you are in. I race at Summit Point from time to time. Pretty area.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

Hey, I'm not trying to knock you here, but trying to help. Your "ton" of research clearly wasn't enough since you were feeding prey smaller than BPs eat out of the egg.

Between the two other members (both of whom are fantastic, knowledgeable keepers) trying to help you, and now myself, there is nearly 50 years of experience with many, many snakes of multiple species telling you a seperate feeding tub is a bad idea.

A seperate feeding tub is old school and proven counter productive over time.
1) this will increase your chance of rhe snake refusing the meal since you have to move the snake before feeding and moving = stress
2) this will increase your chance of the snake regurgitating it's prey since, now the snake has to be moved AGAIN. And moving = stress.
3) this will drastically increase your chances of being bitten since the snake will remain in feed mode after eating.

Again, not trying to knock you, but trying to help.

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I'm not trying to come off defensive in my replies, however I feel slightly attracted like I'm the worst person ever for going by my research and still trying to figure it out. I understand you trying to help and I appreciate it, really, but I think getting into this hobbie also takes experience. For example, I have fed him in his enclosure and outside of this enclosure, and he doesnt seem to mind being fed outside. I hold him everyday twice a day for 15/30 mins, except a day or two after feeding. And by my experience this far with my snakes individual personality, he seemed to strike at me more for food when fed in his enclosure vs outside. Not saying this could change over time as he gets older, and by then I will adjust what I am doing. I also want to mention I do not move him back into his enclosure till after I can see his mouse has moved to about half way or more down his body, not the second he gets it down this throat, and transfering him I do my best to make it as quick and stressless as possible, litterally picking him up with a snake hook and putting him right back down in his reg enclosure. Litterally a .2 second transfer. Also, I would like to question that feeding outside his enclosure is such a bad thing, if this practice has been used for how ever long by people more experienced than anyone I'm sure there is some truth to it. If it didnt "work out" for them then, I dont see why it wouldnt work now to some degree. Otherwise why would it be so common? To me, this matter seems just as controversial as live vs prekilled/ft, its preference and individual personality of your pet. Again, I am new to this and I am still learning dispite the months of research, I am not trying to say I'm right and your wrong. I am hearing all of your advise and taking it in, but I feel it still depends on my ownership personality as well as my individual snake's personality.

Lastly I want to mention me feeding too small of prey, I was told by the place I got him at 3 months old he was eating fuzzies, asked a question about it here, attacked about the prey being too small, and upped his size. He has been on hoppers for 3 weeks now and just asked a seperate question here about wanting to up his size again. I just want to throw that out there.

Again, I am hearing all of your advise, and I appreciate it, but I still have my own experience this far with my snake. Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I'm not trying to come off defensive in my replies, however I feel slightly attracted like I'm the worst person ever for going by my research and still trying to figure it out. I understand you trying to help and I appreciate it, really, but I think getting into this hobbie also takes experience. For example, I have fed him in his enclosure and outside of this enclosure, and he doesnt seem to mind being fed outside. I hold him everyday twice a day for 15/30 mins, except a day or two after feeding. And by my experience this far with my snakes individual personality, he seemed to strike at me more for food when fed in his enclosure vs outside. Not saying this could change over time as he gets older, and by then I will adjust what I am doing. I also want to mention I do not move him back into his enclosure till after I can see his mouse has moved to about half way or more down his body, not the second he gets it down this throat, and transfering him I do my best to make it as quick and stressless as possible, litterally picking him up with a snake hook and putting him right back down in his reg enclosure. Litterally a .2 second transfer. Also, I would like to question that feeding outside his enclosure is such a bad thing, if this practice has been used for how ever long by people more experienced than anyone I'm sure there is some truth to it. If it didnt "work out" for them then, I dont see why it wouldnt work now to some degree. Otherwise why would it be so common? To me, this matter seems just as controversial as live vs prekilled/ft, its preference and individual personality of your pet. Again, I am new to this and I am still learning dispite the months of research, I am not trying to say I'm right and your wrong. I am hearing all of your advise and taking it in, but I feel it still depends on my ownership personality as well as my individual snake's personality.

Lastly I want to mention me feeding too small of prey, I was told by the place I got him at 3 months old he was eating fuzzies, asked a question about it here, attacked about the prey being too small, and upped his size. He has been on hoppers for 3 weeks now and just asked a seperate question here about wanting to up his size again. I just want to throw that out there.

Again, I am hearing all of your advise, and I appreciate it, but I still have my own experience this far with my snake. Thank you.

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You're 100% welcome to do what you want to do with your snake.
I'd love to see some of the references you're citing that you're learning from.
You've now got 4 people in just a few hours who have over 60 years of combined experience telling you a feeding tub is not the best way to go.
So I'm very curious where you're learning from that is more reliable.

And also, you're not being attacked at all. We're simply trying to help you. You've asked for advice, we're giving you advice

i didn't read through your last post entirely, but i can guess you're getting defensive as you're taking things as a criticism of you, when it is a criticism of your care. separate the two ideas and you will get along better here.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Again, I am hearing all of your advise, and I appreciate it, but I still have my own experience this far with my snake. Thank you.

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now this is where new keepers always get it wrong. :rolleyes:

your ONE lived experience with ONE success story with ONE animal does not trump countless years of practice over countless different types of animals. that's just a fact. we are telling you the Tried and True methods that can apply to almost every ball python (and HAVE been applied, and WORK, for DECADES). i promise you're running a risk of coming into issues in the future if you continue on with your methods.

Back on topic, I wouldn't keep mice/rodents in the same room as my snakes, but that's just me.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

You're 100% welcome to do what you want to do with your snake.
I'd love to see some of the references you're citing that you're learning from.
You've now got 4 people in just a few hours who have over 60 years of combined experience telling you a feeding tub is not the best way to go.
So I'm very curious where you're learning from that is more reliable.

And also, you're not being attacked at all. We're simply trying to help you. You've asked for advice, we're giving you advice

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My original post stated that it was never a question. I simply wanted to hear your stories about your snakes and rodents cohabiting in the same room, not advise about how I feed my snake. I mentioned one little thing about it and it was blown up. Maybe I just didnt word my original post good enough and was misunderstood. Secondly, I have ready on several sources suggesting it, just by googling. Like I said before, I still hear your advise and take it in, but with a grain of salt. I am sure you did things a certain way because you researched it and where told by more experienced people you should do it another way, maybe not just about the reptile hobby, but for everyday people things. Either way, research and advise is taken with a grain of salt and adjusted and done by the persons own experiences, idk by me or anyone else. Like I said, this seems just as contraversal as feeding live vs dead. There are pros and cons either way, and there are personal preferences and different experiences and personalities.

Please join some more snake communities, like fb groups and other forums, if this one isn't enough to convince you... You'll get much more convincing! No experienced keeper moves their snakes into a separate tub to feed, or even new keepers who have done good research. That it helps you OR the snake in any way is just a myth!

The fact that this myth is even persisting among those who have not done their research is only because species like ball pythons are so docile and easily swayed from eating, and they don't show stress in a clear way as some other species, so new keepers don't get a good bite in them. In fact, you will have a much better chance of the snake accepting f/t food too if you feed inside the enclosure, assuming you have good husbandry for the snake.

Feel free to come move my green tree python or tanimbar python out of their enclosures and into a tub before every meal. :P

Anyway, I also kept rodents in the same room as my snakes, only about 3 feet away. Initially, they became very excited by the scent but only for the first day, and then got used to it and know that food isn't coming.

Wow this is great! If your taking solid advice from google and taking advice from breeders that have hundreds of ball pythons like a grain of salt, I feel sorry for u in general.

Also it’s no debate about live vs frozen. Live animals bite and dead ones don’t. No argument there. But hey what do we know here at ball-pythons.net that a random google search doesn’t.

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Please join some more snake communities, like fb groups and other forums, if this one isn't enough to convince you... You'll get much more convincing! No experienced keeper moves their snakes into a separate tub to feed, or even new keepers who have done good research. That it helps you OR the snake in any way is just a myth! In fact, you will have a much better chance of the snake accepting f/t food too if you feed inside the enclosure, assuming you have good husbandry for the snake.

Feel free to come move my green tree python out of her enclosure and into a tub before every meal. :P It'll take forever and you'll be bitten about five times in a minute. LOL

Anyway, I also kept rodents in the same room as my snakes, only about 3 feet away. Initially, they became very excited by the scent but only for the first day, and then got used to it and know that food isn't coming.

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The only place I’ve ever heard people tell me to feed in a separate tub is at petco when I was just talking about my snakes have yet to bite me and the manager said that must be because u feed in a separate tub, I laughed out loud because I thought he was joking, but he told me to go to Walmart and buy a feeding tub ASAP. I told his I was not doing that and he should probably research that before telling more people to do that. Next time I was there he came up to me and said how wrong he was and he feels bad for telling hundreds of people to do that but he won’t anymore. Pretty cool guy

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

your ONE lived experience with ONE success story with ONE animal does not trump countless years of practice over countless different types of animals. that's just a fact. we are telling you the Tried and True methods that can apply to almost every ball python (and HAVE been applied, and WORK, for DECADES). i promise you're running a risk of coming into issues in the future if you continue on with your methods.

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I am just doing what works best for me and my snake with my "one success story" and when I get another i will do what works with that snake. I wrote before, I did both inside and outside feedings and I see a better behavioral outcome outside for right now with no issues and said before, if things change as he gets older, I will adjust my methods, but as of now, this works for me and my snake. I am not a child, I'm not getting defensive about me as a person, I am over my care, because I feel one way, this way works for this one snake, and I'm the worst person for it because I am doing a method that not everyone agrees on. All im saying no one way is the best way regardless of popular belief. And I'm getting tired of repeating myself over and over to everyone telling me to do method A when I keep saying method B is working for me. I'm done with it. This post was never even about how to freaking feed my snake. It was about your stories about keeping rodents in the same room as your snake. Nothing more. No questions, no advise, just your own experience and stories about rodents and snakes in the same room.

Hey, I understand where you're coming from. I'm still a new keeper and only have 1 BP. When I joined, I felt like the worst person ever whenever anyone gave me advice. People don't like to be wrong, and it's embarrassing when we make mistakes or take advice from the wrong sources. I felt just the same as you. I even still get defensive when people on here give me advice. But I have to realize that I'm literally asking a question so I've gotta be willing to hear the answers I'm asking for. It's still not easy to admit when you've done things wrong, though. But I believe most on here have good intentions and just wanna help with your husbandry, and they have the experience to go with it.

It's hard to tell tones over the internet. What might sound aggressive when you read it might not be what they were going for at all.

Also I understand you didn't ask for help with how to feed your snake, so it must be kind of annoying having everything directed away from your original question. I think the way a lot of people on here see it, we all try to be accountable for each other's husbandry to an extent. At the same time, there's always the possibility that new or potential keepers are/will be lurking, and it's our responsibility to inform them what the experienced keepers on here consider good husbandry. It's not like we think your snake is in danger or anything, it's more of a statement for all those looking for the correct care (not just directed at you).

In the end, it's your snake, and you are responsible for his life long care. We're just trying to help you make the right choices for him. I completely understand what you mean, though. New keepers like me and you can sometimes get "defensive aggression" just like our snakes.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I am just doing what works best for me and my snake with my "one success story" and when I get another i will do what works with that snake. I wrote before, I did both inside and outside feedings and I see a better behavioral outcome outside for right now with no issues and said before, if things change as he gets older, I will adjust my methods, but as of now, this works for me and my snake. I am not a child, I'm not getting defensive about me as a person, I am over my care, because I feel one way, this way works for this one snake, and I'm the worst person for it because I am doing a method that not everyone agrees on. All im saying no one way is the best way regardless of popular belief. And I'm getting tired of repeating myself over and over to everyone telling me to do method A when I keep saying method B is working for me. I'm done with it. This post was never even about how to freaking feed my snake. It was about your stories about keeping rodents in the same room as your snake. Nothing more. No questions, no advise, just your own experience and stories about rodents and snakes in the same room.

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good luck to you! :gj:

I am seriously so done with you people right now. Not even reading what I am saying and being attacked for doing something different than the way you do things. Taking a post that was NEVER about this and blowing it up. I never asked for opinions, advise, or any answers. I wanted to hear your STORIES ABOUT RODANTS AND MICE LIVING IN THE SAME ROOM and in the process shared my story. You people are the most uptight hypocritical people trying to "help" people by attacking them. Grow up. I'm done with all you guys and this whole site.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

My original post stated that it was never a question. I simply wanted to hear your stories about your snakes and rodents cohabiting in the same room, not advise about how I feed my snake. I mentioned one little thing about it and it was blown up. Maybe I just didnt word my original post good enough and was misunderstood. Secondly, I have ready on several sources suggesting it, just by googling. Like I said before, I still hear your advise and take it in, but with a grain of salt. I am sure you did things a certain way because you researched it and where told by more experienced people you should do it another way, maybe not just about the reptile hobby, but for everyday people things. Either way, research and advise is taken with a grain of salt and adjusted and done by the persons own experiences, idk by me or anyone else. Like I said, this seems just as contraversal as feeding live vs dead. There are pros and cons either way, and there are personal preferences and different experiences and personalities.

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1) So posting some links shouldn't be a problem?

2) I'd tread lightly with that kind of attitude around here. They are just trying to help and have loads more experience than most of us.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I am seriously so done with you people right now. Not even reading what I am saying and being attacked for doing something different than the way you do things. Taking a post that was NEVER about this and blowing it up. I never asked for opinions, advise, or any answers. I wanted to hear your STORIES ABOUT RODANTS AND MICE LIVING IN THE SAME ROOM and in the process shared my story. You people are the most uptight hypocritical people trying to "help" people by attacking them. Grow up. I'm done with all you guys and this whole site.

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Wow, that was fast. Might want to take a course on how to get along with people while you're away there chief.

I think we should draw a line under this issue to be honest .. it's easy to be swayed by something you read online ...

My first Corn snake and set up came WITHOUT a thermostat as the reptile store didn't mention I needed one !!


I'm sure the guy will just be happy to forget this and move on ..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I am seriously so done with you people right now. Not even reading what I am saying and being attacked for doing something different than the way you do things. Taking a post that was NEVER about this and blowing it up. I never asked for opinions, advise, or any answers. I wanted to hear your STORIES ABOUT RODANTS AND MICE LIVING IN THE SAME ROOM and in the process shared my story. You people are the most uptight hypocritical people trying to "help" people by attacking them. Grow up. I'm done with all you guys and this whole site.

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I'm gonna be frank, if this person thinks these posts are "attacking", they're in for a helluva surprise in the ole facebook groups. LOL :O

My last post seems to have disappeared:)

Anyways I just suggested that we all move on from this heated debate and draw a line under things .. it's so easy to be misled by something you read or by something you're told ..

I reckon he will take on board all the suggestions and simply learn from it .


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I havnt heard if this technique, its pretty cool. It's like knocking before entering lol.

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And you said the above. Just where are you doing your research? This is one of the first things I read, and have read several times about when feeding a snake and helping it to differentiate.

I've kept rats in the same room as my snakes without any issues, just make sure you wash your hands with soap and water after handling the rodents (before picking up the snake or cleaning the enclosure) and you'll be fine.

For feeder size, you want to be feeding rodents about the same girth as the widest part of the BP's body. If the mice are starting to look a little smaller than this, you'll want to try and upgrade to rats. it can be hard to switch them over to rats if they get hooked on mice, so it may take some work on your part and patience to get there. Scenting the rats with dirty mouse bedding will help.

You've already heard feedback on moving to feed, so I won't go over already tredded ground. I will only say that everyone on this forum was extremely helpful to me when I started and that many of the people that have commented on your thread are successful breeders with tens of ball pythons, so they know their stuff. Many articles you find on the interent are out-dated. If the info you found about moving to feed came from a chain petstore or generic animal website, you may want to reconsider.

I used to move to feed when I started out too, but soon found it unnecessary. I now keep larger snakes (boas, carpet, BRB, etc.) which have very strong feeding responses slamming the glass of their cages when they know it is feeding night... I feed all of them in their enclosures and have no issues handling. I also use hook / tap training so that they know the difference between feeding and handling time. If you want to consider switching to feeding in his enclosure, I would suggest you look into hook training (if you are concerned about accidental feeding bites).

Okay, I'm wrong and your right. I'm the worst person in the world because I read something else during my research and was mislead to have a different opinion. I dont have as much experience as you guys so I should just shut my mouth and not speak. I'm sorry. Can you guys leave me alone now?

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Originally Posted by MR Snakes

And you said the above. Just where are you doing your research? This is one of the first things I read, and have read several times about when feeding a snake and helping it to differentiate.

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Calm down, it's good that they admit they didn't know something and accept it which is part of doing research.

The thing is this all is not just directed at them, but at lurkers and new keepers who read threads like this for input and to research.




Anyway I agree that we should just leave this now. We've given advice, it's their choice on whether or not they want to go ahead with it. It's not like their snake is in any immediate danger. Let's hope they learn and expand on their husbandry just as I'm sure we all constantly are.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Okay, I'm wrong and your right. I'm the worst person in the world because I read something else during my research and was mislead to have a different opinion. I dont have as much experience as you guys so I should just shut my mouth and not speak. I'm sorry. Can you guys leave me alone now?

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Nobody said to shut your mouth and not speak and that you're the worst person! People bring it up, since it's actually also related to your first few posts about your ball python being hissy/defensive and also about refusing f/t, in terms of husbandry. People look at husbandry and care as a whole, since it's connected- everything is put together to make a healthy, happy snake.

Snakes that are moved to a tub to feed have a very hard time switching to f/t prey (due to the reasons listed).

It's just when proper husbandry is repeatedly argued against by someone who just got one snake, of course people will want you to have correct care rather than incorrect.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I've kept rats in the same room as my snakes without any issues, just make sure you wash your hands with soap and water after handling the rodents (before picking up the snake or cleaning the enclosure) and you'll be fine.

For feeder size, you want to be feeding rodents about the same girth as the widest part of the BP's body. If the mice are starting to look a little smaller than this, you'll want to try and upgrade to rats. it can be hard to switch them over to rats if they get hooked on mice, so it may take some work on your part and patience to get there. Scenting the rats with dirty mouse bedding will help.

You've already heard feedback on moving to feed, so I won't go over already tredded ground. I will only say that everyone on this forum was extremely helpful to me when I started and that many of the people that have commented on your thread are successful breeders with tens of ball pythons, so they know their stuff. Many articles you find on the interent are out-dated. If the info you found about moving to feed came from a chain petstore or generic animal website, you may want to reconsider.

I used to move to feed when I started out too, but soon found it unnecessary. I now keep larger snakes (boas, carpet, BRB, etc.) which have very strong feeding responses slamming the glass of their cages when they know it is feeding night... I feed all of them in their enclosures and have no issues handling. I also use hook / tap training so that they know the difference between feeding and handling time. If you want to consider switching to feeding in his enclosure, I would suggest you look into hook training (if you are concerned about accidental feeding bites).

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Thank you for the kind response, I was feeding fuzzies cause that's what they where feeding him when I bought him and fuzzies where about the same size as his girth (I was going by that too) he was a little guy and as now grown a bit as I upgraded his size 3 weeks ago and wanting to upgrade again, but he is kind of in a weird in between size where a hopper is kind of small, but the next size up is kind of big, and two hoppers seems like alot. i asked a seperate question about it a the same time I posted this that suggested switching to rat fuzzies. I was planning on looking into. And thank you for not bringing up the feeding situation. I'm really done with that right now. Lol

For one thing when I came to this forum not long ago, I figured I was about ready to move forward with my purchase. But after a very short time I realized I was miles away from where I thought I was. That's why you see me all over different forums trying to soak up everything I can. And yes, even though I will be pretty well informed when I buy, I will make mistakes. And be thankful for the community here that cares enough about the little noodles that the mistake won't last for long!:bow:

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Okay, I'm wrong and your right. I'm the worst person in the world because I read something else during my research and was mislead to have a different opinion. I dont have as much experience as you guys so I should just shut my mouth and not speak. I'm sorry. Can you guys leave me alone now?

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Best just forget all this and move on ..

Get into a more positive frame of mind and things will be just fine ..

I'm speaking from experience as I also had a shaky start but I feel like one of the family now :)


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BTW, if a rodent happens to pee on your hands, be aware that washing your hands may not remove all the smell...your snake may still consider it edible. ;)

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

Thank you for the kind response, I was feeding fuzzies cause that's what they where feeding him when I bought him and fuzzies where about the same size as his girth (I was going by that too) he was a little guy and as now grown a bit as I upgraded his size 3 weeks ago and wanting to upgrade again, but he is kind of in a weird in between size where a hopper is kind of small, but the next size up is kind of big, and two hoppers seems like alot. i asked a seperate question about it a the same time I posted this that suggested switching to rat fuzzies. I was planning on looking into. And thank you for not bringing up the feeding situation. I'm really done with that right now. Lol

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I don't know if anyone has welcomed you yet, but welcome to the tribe. You have survived indoctrination!:taz:

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Nobody said to shut your mouth and not speak and that you're the worst person! People bring it up, since it's actually also related to your first few posts about your ball python being hissy/defensive and also about refusing f/t, in terms of husbandry. People look at husbandry and care as a whole, since it's connected- everything is put together to make a healthy, happy snake.

Snakes that are moved to a tub to feed have a very hard time switching to f/t prey (due to the reasons listed).

It's just when proper husbandry is repeatedly argued against by someone who just got one snake, of course people will want you to have correct care rather than incorrect.

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I think I mentioned before, idk theres alot..., but I tried feeding in the tank too and fed in tank when I first got him cause I didnt wanna stress him out more by moving him around so much during his first few feedings with me. Iv tried what I think is everything I can to get him to switch but litterally runs away from the ft, and I cant bring myself to let him go hungry till he eventually decides to eat it cause hes starving, a method I read online for that. But what do i know? I'm just tied of arguing about everything I do wrong. Still I dont think I'm wrong for feeding the way I do, I think it's old school and different than what you guys do now but not necessarily wrong. But whatever I'm done arguing and repeating myself. Thank you tho.

I've never kept rats or mice in my snake room.
I do have ferrets and they share the room with my snakes. The snakes don't act any differently, all handle well, are in no way cage aggressive and never even seem to notice the ferrets.
I know you didn't ask about ferrets, they're not even rodents, but I figure it was experience that is relevant and worth sharing.

Something to think about: maybe the reason the thread snowballed into a thread about feeding tubs is because it's an important part of keeping snakes. We're honestly trying to help you. We were ALL new once.

...but you need to be receptive rather than defensive. Nobody told you to shut your mouth, nobody said you were stupid or the worst person ever or any of the other words you came up with on your own.

We're trying to help. You've clearly been misinformed and still have a lot of learning to do (we ALL have learning to do). So embrace what you're learning, listen to experienced keepers. We're trying to help you to enjoy this hobby as much as we do by trying to make your first experience a positive experience for you and your new pet.

If you open your ears and accept constructive criticism you'll find this is a fantastic resource for keepers everywhere from newbies to experienced, successful breeders.

Many people have already given some excellent advice on this thread. I took a quick look through your other posts and do recommend, as others have, that you get a scale so that you can get a weight on your BP. That will give you and us a better idea of what size rodent to feed. BP's can be a bit finicky, but usually do well once you get husbandry sorted out.

Whereabouts in Indiana are you? I'm up in NWI.

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Originally Posted by Kenzieburgess

I think I mentioned before, idk theres alot..., but I tried feeding in the tank too and fed in tank when I first got him cause I didnt wanna stress him out more by moving him around so much during his first few feedings with me. Iv tried what I think is everything I can to get him to switch but litterally runs away from the ft, and I cant bring myself to let him go hungry till he eventually decides to eat it cause hes starving, a method I read online for that. But what do i know? I'm just tied of arguing about everything I do wrong. Still I dont think I'm wrong for feeding the way I do, I think it's old school and different than what you guys do now but not necessarily wrong. But whatever I'm done arguing and repeating myself. Thank you tho.

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I wonder if some of his early refusals of the f/t were just being shy in a new place before he had fully settled in? I have one particularly shy 2018 BP who will take F/T now after she took a live meal with me first, but will instantly drop it and not eat to watch me if I stay close, move her tub, or move at all... it's a juggling act with her. May be worth a repeat try in the cage with f/t just to see if he's more interested now that he's settled more, and presumably eaten(?). (I haven't seen all your posts, so sorry if I'm mistaking what you've said here!)

As for the original topic. I just got a new BP from an expo and due to recent stocking issues where I have access to live mice/rats (i.e. always out of smaller sizes like baby BPs need.. fuzzy/rat pups and adult mice), I did grab several mice at the expo. She has only had live mice previously and I'm planning to attempt a switch to frozen after a few solid meals with me. But in the meantime, I have a few mice in a bin-cage in my QT room. I don't have any other rooms to put them in and don't want feeders in my main snake room with my more food-motivated species.
It's only been a few days and I can't say how much of her watching is smelling food vs her personality, so I'll have to update later if I have any issues, especially once she's settled enough to do some handling.

I don't plan to do keep mice there long-term, though I've considered using the QT room for rat breeding if I get too many more rat-eating snake species... not enough space in the main room and no other spaces available at my house.

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Alright I think we are done here