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  • 12-24-2006, 09:46 PM
    Pot Roast
    Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I am a new member, and I was wondering afeter purchasing my pb I was told not to feed my bp in its habitat because it may mistake your hand for food. Is there any truth to this or is this just more misguided informnation from the big chain pet stores.

    Thanks for your help Pot Roast
  • 12-24-2006, 09:53 PM
    joepythons
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Pot Roast
    I am a new member, and I was wondering afeter purchasing my pb I was told not to feed my bp in its habitat because it may mistake your hand for food. Is there any truth to this or is this just more misguided informnation from the big chain pet stores.

    Thanks for your help Pot Roast

    If you remove your snake to feed it it will feel unsafe.I feed everyone of my snakes in there enclosures.Now it is true they COULD mistake your hand as food.To avoid this happening you can use tongs if your snake eats fresh killed or frozen thawed or if you feed live just place the rodent in the snakes enclosure.Now you have to watch your snake until it kills the rodent as rodents CAN kill the snake.Of course pinkies,fuzzies can not hurt your snake.
  • 12-24-2006, 09:59 PM
    Kizerk
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    i feed inside enclosures, i think caring out the snake can stress it too much, and after it eats, i dont want to disturb them by carrying them back to their tubs
  • 12-24-2006, 10:03 PM
    Nate
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Nothing wrong at all with feeding in its enclosure. It will mistake your hand for food if you've been handling food (rats, mice, etc.) and don't wash after.
  • 12-24-2006, 10:38 PM
    Pot Roast
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Thanks so much for the help. I have been feeding this way for the whole six months. On another note I was feeding it frozen mice untill it outgrew its old enclosure and I aquired a new one after that it would not eat for about three weeks in frustration I feed it a live mouse and he ate it right up but he would not go back to the frozen mice, so I guess it is going to eat live. When I do feed live I supervise the event and leave it no longer than 30 min. I have found out though after reaserching that My temp and humidity meters are not sufficient.
  • 12-24-2006, 10:54 PM
    Sausage
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I feed my guy in his tank. As long a you put your hand in the tank for things other than feeding, it shouldn't associate your hand with feeding.
  • 12-25-2006, 12:03 AM
    joepythons
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Sausage
    I feed my guy in his tank. As long a you put your hand in the tank for things other than feeding, it shouldn't associate your hand with feeding.

    This is not true.Once a snake smells the rodent anything can happen including you getting bitten.
  • 12-25-2006, 12:43 AM
    Pork Chops N' Corn Bread
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    When I only had one snake I took out of the enclosure but now I just throw the rats in. my 2 boas are on f/t so I have no problems, They usually just eat it off of a plate in the cage
  • 12-25-2006, 05:52 AM
    Gurgie
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    sausage, I simply LOVE the santa hat on your BP!! too cute :)
  • 12-25-2006, 10:24 AM
    racer69
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    i feeed both of mine in their enclosures...i use bar-b-que tongs and dangle them in by the tail and before i get them to the ground my snakes will have them...i was told it was better to feed in enclosre because of stress relations and if you reach in and take them out to put them in another enclosure to feed what's stopping them to think that everytime you go to take them out it's feeding time. i take a piece of the foil off the top that's pre-cut and place the mouse box on top of the cage for a few minutes then they start gettign active and come out of hide then i grab mouse with hand and use long tongs (prob 2 feet) to put them in....i watch untill there dead then feed the next ...

    have fun MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
  • 12-25-2006, 12:31 PM
    frankykeno
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Welcome to BPNet! If you haven't already run across mention of this handy dandy thing on other threads here's a pic of it. It's an Acu-Rite from WalMart (Lowe's and Home Depot sell something similar under other brand names). You'll find it in the outdoor thermeter/weather station area for about $12.00 (plus 1 AAA battery). Pop the unit into your enclosure on the cool side, lead the probe on it's long thin cord over to the warm side and tuck it inside the hide (it won't bother your snake). Push a few buttons and you'll get IN temp (what the unit itself reads aka your cool side), OUT temp (what the probe reads aka your warm side temp inside the hide) and ambient humidity. Works like a charm and is a reasonable and reliable option for a lot of us.

    http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...g/Acu-Rite.jpg

    Since correct temps and humidity are so important to BP's it's well worth getting a good handle on them.
  • 12-25-2006, 01:14 PM
    firehop
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I feed all of mine out of the enclosure. I have a couple feeding cages and that is all they are used for. I would never feed my burm in its cage and I feel safer feeding all my red-tails and balls in feeder cages. I have several rescue red-tails and the only reason I have them is because they were fed in cage and when the owner put their hand in it got bit. I subscribe to the old Pavlovs Dog theory....just my opinion and I know alot of people feed in their cages and if it works for them kool beans....
  • 12-25-2006, 01:18 PM
    rjks325
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frankykeno
    Welcome to BPNet! If you haven't already run across mention of this handy dandy thing on other threads here's a pic of it. It's an Acu-Rite from WalMart (Lowe's and Home Depot sell something similar under other brand names). You'll find it in the outdoor thermeter/weather station area for about $12.00 (plus 1 AAA battery). Pop the unit into your enclosure on the cool side, lead the probe on it's long thin cord over to the warm side and tuck it inside the hide (it won't bother your snake). Push a few buttons and you'll get IN temp (what the unit itself reads aka your cool side), OUT temp (what the probe reads aka your warm side temp inside the hide) and ambient humidity. Works like a charm and is a reasonable and reliable option for a lot of us.

    http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...g/Acu-Rite.jpg

    Since correct temps and humidity are so important to BP's it's well worth getting a good handle on them.

    Absolute "Ditto." on that.:gj:
  • 12-25-2006, 01:24 PM
    frankykeno
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    As far as feeding in the enclosure or in a seperate feeding tub, it's really personal choice plus what the snake will put up with. Some are very nervous and the move in and out of the feeding tub is enough to have them refusing to eat. You are also at risk for a nip moving a hungry snake or one that's just eaten and still in hunt mode (as well as any risk of triggering a regurge on a full belly snake). Feeding in the enclosure is fine. It minimizes some risks. Your snake usually will not bite your hand constantly thinking you are food if you don't smell like it's food and if your hand is in there regularily anyways changing water, removing waste product, touching the snake and removing it for handling. That doesn't mean you won't get hissed at, jabbed at or bitten. That's just part of owning a snake and it will happen (not maybe, it will and it's no big deal really just startling somewhat LOL).
  • 12-25-2006, 01:43 PM
    Pork Chops N' Corn Bread
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by racer69
    i feeed both of mine in their enclosures...i use bar-b-que tongs and dangle them in by the tail and before i get them to the ground my snakes will have them...i was told it was better to feed in enclosre because of stress relations and if you reach in and take them out to put them in another enclosure to feed what's stopping them to think that everytime you go to take them out it's feeding time. i take a piece of the foil off the top that's pre-cut and place the mouse box on top of the cage for a few minutes then they start gettign active and come out of hide then i grab mouse with hand and use long tongs (prob 2 feet) to put them in....i watch untill there dead then feed the next ...

    have fun MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

    Your from Omaha too!!! Sweet. If you need any fuzzy rats or large pinks let me know. I have a few more than I will ever use
  • 12-25-2006, 01:54 PM
    recycling goddess
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Sausage
    I feed my guy in his tank. As long a you put your hand in the tank for things other than feeding, it shouldn't associate your hand with feeding.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by joepythons
    This is not true.Once a snake smells the rodent anything can happen including you getting bitten.

    Joe, I think Sausage was saying that as long as you are caring for your snake, going into it's tank to do regular cleanings, spot cleanings, changing of the water and handling... that your snake will not associate your hand automatically with being fed.

    I agree with Sausage on this.

    I also feed my snakes in their enclosures. Some times they get live, sometimes f/t depending on what I have on hand at the time. They easily switch back and forth for me. My ball did go on a "if it's not live I won't eat it" strike for a few months... but now he's back to eating whatever I give him.

    I don't often feed off the tongs directly... I just do a little "hey you... eat me" dance in front of whatever hide they are in and they lay it at the opening. Works well for me with all my snakes (corns, king, boas, ball)

    Hope that helps. ;)
  • 12-25-2006, 02:08 PM
    recycling goddess
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by joepythons
    If you remove your snake to feed it it will feel unsafe.I feed everyone of my snakes in there enclosures.Now it is true they COULD mistake your hand as food.To avoid this happening you can use tongs if your snake eats fresh killed or frozen thawed or if you feed live just place the rodent in the snakes enclosure.Now you have to watch your snake until it kills the rodent as rodents CAN kill the snake.Of course pinkies,fuzzies can not hurt your snake.


    just want to mention here... balls never need larger than a small rattie, no matter how big the ball is and adult mice, unless stressed when placing them into the enclosure aren't usually a problem at all.

    the live mice i've fed sniff the snake... get comfy and seem to be very calm in the enclosure right up until the snake strikes... and then... it's over quickly.

    when feeding live it's important to follow a few steps.

    first, pre-scent the room by allowing the live prey to sit on or near your ball python enclosure for 15-20 minutes... or until you see your ball becoming active. then open the enclosure and gently drop your live prey into the far end (opposite end of where you snake is at the time) of the enclosure. this way... it allows the prey item to remain calm and it also allows your snake to being stalking it's prey.

    as long as you follow these guidelines, chances are slim that you'll have any problems.

    never leave your snake unattended with a live prey and don't leave the prey item in for longer than 30 minutes. although, if you snake is hungry and you have pre-scented the room... you should have a strike pretty quickly after releasing the prey item.
  • 12-25-2006, 03:43 PM
    Jahbeard
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I fed in a seperate tub for years without any problems. I got that instruction from the Herp Hobby Shop in Florida, where I am from. Now, since I'm up to four adults, I place the rodent in a tub and place it in the enclosure. The rat usally settles down pretty quick, and then it is hunting time :D . I still supervise, but it seems that there there is no contact until the snake is ready, and can back out if he/she isn't comfortable. All of the adults eat quite well like this, and it seems safer. If one isn't interested, I just move the tub to the next cage.
  • 12-26-2006, 04:50 PM
    Pot Roast
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Thanks for the help I will look into the temp gauges. I think I will try to start feeding in the enclosure. I think that I spend enough time in the enclosure that it wil not think of me as food and I am very thourough about washing my hands. Some time ago I had a rat snake that did bite quite frequently I tried to tame him down but never fail he would bite you atleast once every time you tried to handle him.
  • 12-26-2006, 05:20 PM
    bodar
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    ive always fed out of the encolsure but i think today i may try a diffrent route.......
  • 12-26-2006, 05:23 PM
    daniel1983
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I feed in enclosures for all my reptiles......too much stress results from moving them around.
  • 12-26-2006, 05:27 PM
    elevatethis
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by firehop
    I feed all of mine out of the enclosure. I have a couple feeding cages and that is all they are used for. I would never feed my burm in its cage and I feel safer feeding all my red-tails and balls in feeder cages.

    A burm's feeding response can be dangerous to the keeper if you have to put them back in their enclosure right after a meal. How big is your burm? I would suggest you speak to some people with more experience with large boids to get their opinion. You don't want to find out "the hard way" that the habit you are getting into with that large of a constrictor can be dangerous for both you and the snake.

    I don't understand why you feel safer feeding your snakes in seperate cages. Handling a snake right after it has eaten drastically increases your chances that you will be bitten while they are in "feeding mode."
  • 12-26-2006, 07:17 PM
    Rascal
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    When I first got my snake I would feed in another enclosure, mostly because of horror stories about being bitten and whatnot. Now I feed inside the tank so that my snake can hunt from its hide. The mouse usually pokes around on the otherside of the cage and my snake smells it/sees it. She gets into striking position and sooner or later the mouse wanders alittle to close. Everytime I have fed inside the tank, it goes much more quickly and the snake seems more comfortable .. retreating to her hide right afterwards. (I don't have to handle her when shes so full)

    My snake has never shown any aggression towards me (besides getting alittle tighttttttt around the neck) How many of you have had problems with your snakes? How many of you that have problems keep more than one snake? How often do you handle them/it?
  • 12-26-2006, 10:34 PM
    versustheworld
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    I feed mine in a separate "feeding box" but only because she's the mellowest ball ever, she doesn't mind being carried from onle place to another after or before feeding. Since I feed live and most of the time the mice pee-pee themselves when eaten, I prefer them not to do it in her cage. But I definitely think it depends on the character of the snake and the amount of snakes you have.
  • 12-26-2006, 11:19 PM
    firehop
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by elevatethis
    A burm's feeding response can be dangerous to the keeper if you have to put them back in their enclosure right after a meal. How big is your burm? I would suggest you speak to some people with more experience with large boids to get their opinion. You don't want to find out "the hard way" that the habit you are getting into with that large of a constrictor can be dangerous for both you and the snake.

    I don't understand why you feel safer feeding your snakes in seperate cages. Handling a snake right after it has eaten drastically increases your chances that you will be bitten while they are in "feeding mode."


    After feeding, if you have fed enough, your snake shouldnt be agressive anymore he should be fat and happy and a little big to move. If you get bit I believe its because you havn't fed enough and he's looking for more. I have always fed my burm in another cage as well as my 7 foot red-tails and (knock on wood) have never had any agression so long as they have eaten their fill.
  • 12-26-2006, 11:39 PM
    SatanicIntention
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    You're definitely welcome to come try and take Sonja, my 7.5ft female common boa out of her tub a few days before feeding day and the day of feeding... That is, if you don't prefer to have arms or a face. 3-4 days after feeding day though, she's fine, and you can handle her like normal(she's a big fluffball any other day). Or one of my 2005 females who launches herself out of her tub with her mouth open if she even smells mice in the room.

    All of mine are fed in the tub, after the room is prescented for an hour. I can handle them just fine 2 days after they eat and no one gives me any problems. They're very calm and could care less. Because it's not feeding day and the room doesn't smell of food.

    Also, I may go in their tubs maybe 2 times per week to change water and clean. They are easily able to discern food from not food and will react as such.
  • 12-27-2006, 01:38 PM
    daniel1983
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by firehop
    After feeding, if you have fed enough, your snake shouldnt be agressive anymore he should be fat and happy and a little big to move. If you get bit I believe its because you havn't fed enough and he's looking for more.

    From my experience this 'general' comment is not true for ALL snakes even though it may be a true for your snakes. The aggressiveness of a snake during feeding is not entirely dependant on the amount of food that it is fed. Even though they have never shown aggression in normal handling conditions, my coastal carpet pythons will strike at you any given time once the scent of rodent has hit the air in the room...both before and after feeding....no matter how much they are fed. Some of my ball pythons and boas are the same way. Some others could care less what you do to them at feeding time.

    Personlly, I don't really see the point of risking a feeding 'accident' because of moving a large snake between enclosures when the rodent odor is all around.
  • 12-27-2006, 01:57 PM
    elevatethis
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by firehop
    After feeding, if you have fed enough, your snake shouldnt be agressive anymore he should be fat and happy and a little big to move. If you get bit I believe its because you havn't fed enough and he's looking for more. I have always fed my burm in another cage as well as my 7 foot red-tails and (knock on wood) have never had any agression so long as they have eaten their fill.

    Handling a 7 foot redtail after feeding is NOTHING like handling a 14 ft burmese python after feeding, and that comparison does not apply to the original question in the thread.

    A snake doesn't just decide "it's full" and shut off its feeding response before you go to move it back to its normal enclosure. They are opportunistic predators that will eat what they can when they can. As a matter of fact, a snake's feeding response is a part of its unconcious behavior and no matter how tame you may perceive your burm to be, it is irresponsible to give advice like that to new keepers. There is a very informative chapter on this in Dave and Tracy Barker's book "Pythons of the World: Volume 2." The book refers to ball pythons, but I think if you read it and applied the same thought to burmese pythons, you would reevaluate your belief that it is perfectly safe to remove a large burm from a seperate feeding enclosure after you ambiguously decide that they've "had enough."

    That being said, the original poster wanted to know about ball pythons and feeding them outside of their enclosure. Getting bit by a still-hungry ball pythons is not the end of the world, but something I'd personally try to avoid nonetheless.

    Hope that helps.
  • 12-27-2006, 02:39 PM
    firehop
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Sorry I believe I mistakenly made a general statement about my snakes and my experience with the snakes I have had. Sorry if I misspoke and steered someone wrong I am still learning something new everyday I guess.
  • 12-27-2006, 04:19 PM
    Mina
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    It is really personal choice. A lot depends on your snake. We have one male year old ball python that gets fed in a seperate feeding tub. While he is eating, I remove and scrub out his water dish and hides, fluff up his aspen, do an in deepth "poo search" and pull out any poo or urates. Then I dampen the aspen a little to keep his humidity where it should be. And this is also when I change aspen once every other week.

    He does not mind the feeding tub, and knows when its time to eat. He starts stretching down toward the tub as soon as he sees it.
    I personally think that having him in the tub, peacefully eating his rattie, while Mommy rumages around in his home is less stress for him than if I was doing all of that banging and moving things around while he was in there. Just my opinion.
  • 12-27-2006, 08:14 PM
    Pot Roast
    Re: Should you feed bp in habitat.
    Thanks very much for all the help.
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