Doesn't constrict when eating?
I got my new four-month old BP five days ago and fed him a F/T mouse for the first time today. I noticed that he didn't really constrict the prey after grabbing it. He just kind of held onto it with his neck over it for about 10 seconds and then started eating.
Most of the time when I watch other people's BPs feed on YouTube they grab the prey and wrap a few coils around it but mine didn't do that. Is this okay or is it an abnormal feeding response?
Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
redshepherd
Congrats that he ate! Honestly that's all that matters LOL
Usually when a snake gets used to taking f/t, they stop wrapping as thoroughly. Most of mine just throw a neck or a single coil over the prey and start swallowing. It is normal feeding response.
Thank you! That's good to know. I'm so relieved that he ate today, I was nervous for the whole week up to the feeding since I've read a lot about how they are easily stressed and finicky with food.
That's a beautiful snake in your signature by the way!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sonny1318
There are quite a few stories on here about ones that won’t eat in front of their owners. Meaning the Prey is just left outside of the hide, grabbed then swallowed with no constricting what so ever. I had one or two like that myself. ;)
That's very interesting! I always imagined they wouldn't recognize prey that isn't freshly warmed or alive. Good to know that leaving the prey in for a while if they don't take it right away is also an option.
Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
My youngest barely wraps up. I found that if I lightly tug on the tail of the rat she will construct tighter. Not really necessary since I feed pre-killed, but it makes her feel like a real life wild snake....LOL [emoji16]. My oldest a lot of times will not even strike, he grabs the mouse, pulls it out of the Tongs and starts eating. I generally don’t worry too much as long as the eat.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e8b58fd716.jpg
That’s the old man, he’s actually only 9 months old.
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Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Thank you for the input everyone, this definitely puts me at ease. It's also good to know about the tip of tugging the mouse slightly once the snake grabs it, I'll try that next time.
@Mb80 looks like your 9-month old is enjoying his meal :D
Quote:
Originally Posted by
cletus
You should light a candle and say a prayer every time they eat. lol It really sucks when you get one that wont.
Haha it's certainly something to be grateful for! I never thought seeing a pet eat would make me so happy.
Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Mine has only ever been fead on frozen barley constricts unless I give it a tug see pichttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...40db662e3a.jpg
He will hold it like that for a minute then gobble it down
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Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MR Snakes
Another poor snek with issues. Send it immediately to Maine.
LOL not a chance, I'm planning to keep my BP with me for the next ~30 years
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jamiekerk
Mine has only ever been fead on frozen barley constricts unless I give it a tug see pic
He will hold it like that for a minute then gobble it down
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That looks very similar to what mine does, except he doesn't even bother with the neck coil, he just puts his head and neck over the prey when biting it. Good to know that's normal for when they're fed F/T. I wonder if they would know how to properly constrict if faced with live prey.
On another note, I'm probably being an over-anxious mom but ever since my BP ate, he has been staying in his cool hide, has barely moved, and hasn't gone to the warm side. Is this normal? I saw him poking his head out at night and roaming the tub a bit in the evening before eating but now he just stays in his hide. I touched him and he responds to it but his body feels a bit stiff/tense. I've never actually seen him change hides to thermoregulate either come to think of it.
Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
I very rarely see mine thermoregulate they are nocturnal, only time I ever see is if I’m thirsty at night and walk past his viv.
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Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Luvyna
LOL not a chance, I'm planning to keep my BP with me for the next ~30 years
That looks very similar to what mine does, except he doesn't even bother with the neck coil, he just puts his head and neck over the prey when biting it. Good to know that's normal for when they're fed F/T. I wonder if they would know how to properly constrict if faced with live prey.
On another note, I'm probably being an over-anxious mom but ever since my BP ate, he has been staying in his cool hide, has barely moved, and hasn't gone to the warm side. Is this normal? I saw him poking his head out at night and roaming the tub a bit in the evening before eating but now he just stays in his hide. I touched him and he responds to it but his body feels a bit stiff/tense. I've never actually seen him change hides to thermoregulate either come to think of it.
Most of the time both of mine are on their cool sides. Occasionally I see one hanging out in the water bowl for a couple minutes then move on to a hide. I have enough cover in my tanks that they can move from hide to hide and not be seen.
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Re: Doesn't constrict when eating?
Thanks for sharing Jamiekerk and Mb80! Two days after eating my snake is moving around again - I saw him change hides this morning and also managed to catch him taking a drink last night. Guess he just needed time to digest his meal :)
