For those who feed outside of there BP's cage/tank?

I just witnessed my baby BP eat for my first time. I put him in a box with a hide which he immedietly (I know that's not spelled rigtht) went in to hide. Then I put the mouse in. Everything went fine. Then I realized I don't know how to get him back into the tank, or when to. So after he seemed finished I did my best to incourage him to climb from the box back into the tank. Unfortuantly, he ended up falling back into his tank (I felt aweful). Anyway is it okay to pick him up to put him in the tank. If not any other suggestions.

Hi,


Well my first suggestion is to feed him in his normal tank.

If circumstances like that happen again though it is ok to pick him up gently and place him back in his tank. Just wash your hands so you don't smell like his dinner ( not that I think you would be hurt in any way,shape, or form its just good practice and you might as well start it now while he is small.:D ).

As for when it's ok I would wait till he had re-aligned his jaw and completely finished with the eating process.


dr del

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

I just witnessed my baby BP eat for my first time. I put him in a box with a hide which he immedietly (I know that's not spelled rigtht) went in to hide. Then I put the mouse in. Everything went fine. Then I realized I don't know how to get him back into the tank, or when to. So after he seemed finished I did my best to incourage him to climb from the box back into the tank. Unfortuantly, he ended up falling back into his tank (I felt aweful). Anyway is it okay to pick him up to put him in the tank. If not any other suggestions.

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Wait a bit (maybe 30 to 45 minutes minimum) after eating and then quickly put him back into the tank.

All that encouraging and tilting and coaxing is much more stressful than just quickly picking him up and placing him back into the tank.

I've been feeding successfully outside of the enclosure for 4 years and have never had any problem (even when, in my newbie ignorance, I fed my first BP the first day I got her) at all. You can use your hand to pick it up as long as you have your hands clean. Just wait 30-40 minutes and transfer them over--make sure you support the belly and only take a few moments of handling to keep them from getting sick. You don't have to feed in the home, I've found it works just as well either way. I know most people feed in the enclosure but feeding in a separate tank I've only had one refusal and 3 bites (no constriction) in 4 years.

Hi,

That's intresting two of you say to wait for 30-40 minutes can you tell me why?

Only one of mine gets fed outside of her enclosure (as she refuses to eat in it) and I always move her as soon as she has got her self all realigned and settled back down. This is generally less than 5 minutes after the tail dissapears down her throat.

I do make sure to wash my hands before handling her to avoid sfe's and, as you said, support her body well and treat her very gently. But , like you, I have never had any real problems with her doing this - even when I was beginning/stopping feeding multiples where she could have expecations of more food than arrived.

I do feed F/T if that makes a difference so generally have the rat dangling by the tail (she prefers it that way god alone knows why) so am constantly expecting to be the victim of a stupid feeding error every time.:)


dr del

I like to feed my snakes in a different tub because its a lot cleaner as far as rat poop, blood, etc....Then when they are done I give them a quick rinse under the sink, without moving them a lot. Real quick. Havent had any problems, but thats just the way I do it.

I dunno about the 30-45min thing, but if it works, then more props to you.

good luck

Dr Del,

I say to wait a little longer because I don't know the temperament of the snake, and it's a safe time limit; with my bigger girl I tend to wait longer because she's snappy when the scent of rat's in the air, and I'm at risk of being bitten if I put my hand in any earlier than 30 minutes or so, so she gets calmed down and off of her "FOOD! I wanna bite!" feeding response. With the babies I want to give them plenty of time to get their food settled to keep from scaring them into regurging (that and they're both strong feeders too, and I've had both of them go at me when I stick my hand in) and I guess it depends on the temperament of the snakes involved. With one that's not so snappy with food then I guess there's no problem, but I like to make sure they have plenty time to get the food down and be comfortable again. XD Maybe just me being paranoid but like I said, I've never had any problems with it.

However, I feed live so that may be part of it--Matika refuses F/T and I haven't convinced my mom to let me buy F/T mice in bulk and put them in the freezer.

I have been feeding outside the tanks for about 3yrs now, and never once have been bitten or threattend by my snakes. I feed them in a rubbermaid tub with no hides or anything as soon as they re-aligne there jaw i pick them up gently, and add support to the part of there tummies where there food has stopped at. I don't wait 30-45 minutes. it is usually about a minute average. But i have been bitten once in 3 yrs, and it was my fault, he was de-stressing, shedding, had an RI, and had mites. So he couldn't see what he was warning, but i asked for it. And no way related to feeding time.

On a second note i also dangle the rats/mice, by there tails, because i feed live food, and i don't want a rat/mouse bitting my snakes. If by chance they bite to high on the rat/mouse and i think it could be possible for it to bite them, i simple just grab the rat/mouse by the fur on the back of its head, and pull back, so it cann't bite my them.

Ever sense I was given my first BP I started feeding him outside of his cage. I have been doing this for years now.
I put them in a card board or plastic box and once they are done I just pick them up....I of course make sure to balance their weight. I wait maybe a min or so, and put them back in their enclosure.

I dangle the mouse/rat by the tail...I always have a thin piece of card board to use as a safeguard. If the mouse/rat is going to bite the snake I hold the piece of card board by them...It will then bite/chew on that till it passes.
.

Thanks for the responses. I'm getting a better idea of what to do now. I'm still going to feed out of the tank for the same reasons that Crazy99CL had.

Next time I may just pick him up and place him back in his home, or if I find a hide w/ a bottom I may try to use that to transport him if he goes in it after feeding.

Just my two cents here:

I feed my little girl in a nice 'cafe' tub for two reasons: one, I also clean her tank while she's eating, and two, her tank has a lot of decor in it that the mice try to grab and it scared her a lot the one time I tried feeding inside the tank. She eats great in the tub, and since I'm cleaning it gives her ample time to get the mouse down and for her to settle. Putting her back, I just remove the hide, scoop her up gently around the belly, and set her in front of her tank hide. Works great and she's never even tried a bite yet.

As a breeder with quite a few snakes, I feed them inside their enclosures. If I were to pull every one of them out to feed then by the time I was finished it would be time to start feeding again. lol One of the reasons you want to wait for a little while before handling them is that it lessens the chance of a regurgitation. This gives them a chance to calm down a little and get out of "feed" mode before being picked up and moved around.

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Originally Posted by Seneschal

Dr Del,

I say to wait a little longer because I don't know the temperament of the snake, and it's a safe time limit; with my bigger girl I tend to wait longer because she's snappy when the scent of rat's in the air, and I'm at risk of being bitten if I put my hand in any earlier than 30 minutes or so, so she gets calmed down and off of her "FOOD! I wanna bite!" feeding response. With the babies I want to give them plenty of time to get their food settled to keep from scaring them into regurging (that and they're both strong feeders too, and I've had both of them go at me when I stick my hand in) and I guess it depends on the temperament of the snakes involved. With one that's not so snappy with food then I guess there's no problem, but I like to make sure they have plenty time to get the food down and be comfortable again. XD Maybe just me being paranoid but like I said, I've never had any problems with it.

However, I feed live so that may be part of it--Matika refuses F/T and I haven't convinced my mom to let me buy F/T mice in bulk and put them in the freezer.

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Ditto - My spotteds, stimson's and dwarf boa (tarahumara) can be placed back as soon as they are done swallowing.

My womas and blackheads have a strong feeding response and tend to take while to get down out of that mode - it usually takes about a half hour or so.

Both of my Ball Pythons eat in a seperate container. They usually eat pretty quick and then I give them a few minutes to settle down and I just reach in and pick them up (avoiding their "food") and put them back near the hides they like. They have never had a problem with that and I have never been bitten. Also, I do second that keeping the main cage clean of mouse poop and such by feeding the snake outside the tank.

like was said depends on the snake, some just have nervous stomachs, ha. But most waiting times are just precautions, like has been said, whether for the keeper or the kept. Some may feel threatened and regurge, while others may stay super aggressive with their heightened feeding response. About handling after feeding, just don't be silly about it, it usually shouldn't be a problem, just don't toss 'em around and you'll be fine. I've had to change cages immediately post feeding for some reasons and had a very irritated, striking worried snake that would still keep down their food and eat fine. They are wild animals after all, they're lives out of captivity would not be stress free, and after all they are still surviving... clearly. So wait as long as you feel comfortable with, or feed in the cage, personally I don't see a need to take them out for feeding, but to each his own.

I just

Just FYI I fed my BP out of cage for several months when I first got him. I did so at the recommendation of a keeper with about 16 years experience.

Several times I have been urged to switch by members here with all sorts of reassurances about how feeding in-cage is the best thing since bread came sliced. A number of the threads turned into pile-ons with all sorts of remarks intended to ridicule. Eventually I decided to start feeding him in-cage and have done so for the last several feedings.

Let me tell you now that anybody who tries to act like it does not have an effect on a snake's behavior is either fibbing, inexperienced, or not "in-tune" with their snake. It most definately DOES have an effect. Most people say "I've fed in-cage over 4 bajillion times with no problem". I'm not saying these people are liers. I'm sure I could continue indefinately without getting struck by my BP - as long as I'm more careful from now on.

For those that like to evangelize in-cage feeding, please don't attack me. I've tried it both ways and observed my snake carefully. Please don't waste your time telling me I'm stupid or not doing it right. Also spare me the "I have 500 snakes so your opinion is worthless" bit as well. I have only one BP, that's true (just like alot of people here) and he's the only one that matters to me. If I have an experience with him its 100% valid.

My findings:

1) When I never fed my snake out of tub he never "tracked" me or assumed the 'S' position when I went into his cage. Now he does it often and would surely strike me if I wasn't paying attention. This speaks to the fundemental argument against in-cage feeding. Maybe people will say "Yea but since you open the cage more often than you feed him he won't associate the two". That doesn't matter. The correct thing is "If you never feed your snake in-cage he will never expect food to be in there". Just because you open the cage more often than you feed doesn't confuse them.

2) Feeding in-cage (live at least) leaves alot of residual scents in the cage which tend to keep your snake primed for feeding much longer after the initial feed.

3) Unless you have a fairly barren cage, in-cage clutter can encourage your snake to take bad strikes, thus increasing his chances of getting injured during live feeds. if you feed live in-cage make sure there is no way for the rodent to come up on your snake w/o being seen.

Ultimately, I'm not sure if I'll go back. I'm not really saying one is better than the other. I'm only saying that I think that alot of people go too far when trying to convince out-of-cage feeders to switch. It does matter.

When I did feed mine out-of-cage I always put him back in his cage right away after eating. I think regurg is one of those things that you shouldn't worry about until it actually happens. I can handle my BP after feeding no problem. To get him out of the tub I was always careful to approach from behind the head when picking him up. I also found that tilting the tub slightly before hand to make him slide a little bit tended to "snap him out of it".

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Originally Posted by bearhart

I just

Just FYI I fed my BP out of cage for several months when I first got him. I did so at the recommendation of a keeper with about 16 years experience.

Several times I have been urged to switch by members here with all sorts of reassurances about how feeding in-cage is the best thing since bread came sliced. A number of the threads turned into pile-ons with all sorts of remarks intended to ridicule. Eventually I decided to start feeding him in-cage and have done so for the last several feedings.

Let me tell you now that anybody who tries to act like it does not have an effect on a snake's behavior is either fibbing, inexperienced, or not "in-tune" with their snake. It most definately DOES have an effect. Most people say "I've fed in-cage over 4 bajillion times with no problem". I'm not saying these people are liers. I'm sure I could continue indefinately without getting struck by my BP - as long as I'm more careful from now on.

For those that like to evangelize in-cage feeding, please don't attack me. I've tried it both ways and observed my snake carefully. Please don't waste your time telling me I'm stupid or not doing it right. Also spare me the "I have 500 snakes so your opinion is worthless" bit as well. I have only one BP, that's true (just like alot of people here) and he's the only one that matters to me. If I have an experience with him its 100% valid.

My findings:

1) When I never fed my snake out of tub he never "tracked" me or assumed the 'S' position when I went into his cage. Now he does it often and would surely strike me if I wasn't paying attention. This speaks to the fundemental argument against in-cage feeding. Maybe people will say "Yea but since you open the cage more often than you feed him he won't associate the two". That doesn't matter. The correct thing is "If you never feed your snake in-cage he will never expect food to be in there". Just because you open the cage more often than you feed doesn't confuse them.

2) Feeding in-cage (live at least) leaves alot of residual scents in the cage which tend to keep your snake primed for feeding much longer after the initial feed.

3) Unless you have a fairly barren cage, in-cage clutter can encourage your snake to take bad strikes, thus increasing his chances of getting injured during live feeds. if you feed live in-cage make sure there is no way for the rodent to come up on your snake w/o being seen.

Ultimately, I'm not sure if I'll go back. I'm not really saying one is better than the other. I'm only saying that I think that alot of people go too far when trying to convince out-of-cage feeders to switch. It does matter.

When I did feed mine out-of-cage I always put him back in his cage right away after eating. I think regurg is one of those things that you shouldn't worry about until it actually happens. I can handle my BP after feeding no problem. To get him out of the tub I was always careful to approach from behind the head when picking him up. I also found that tilting the tub slightly before hand to make him slide a little bit tended to "snap him out of it".

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Thanks for posting your observations - interesting points.

I feed out of cage because (1) that's the time that I do cage maintenance and (2) I use aspen substrate. Each snake goes into his/her separate container - they get fed, the cages get cleaned, etc.

I've talked to plenty of people with many years in the hobby that espouse both methods. For example, our herp vet (who has 11 snakes) feeds in outside containers for a variety of reasons. My opinion is that whatever is successful for both the keeper and the snake is what's important. I agree with you that sometimes people get a little condescending when voicing their opinions on the matter.

Alright, I've got another question now. After my BP ate, there was piss and crap all in the box which I believe his tail passed through slightly. I know one member said to soak them after, but does anyone have any other opinions on how to clean him if that does happen? For his sake I would prefer to just place him back in his tank asap, but I want the best for him and if I need to saok him I will (I just don't see him voluntarily staying in the water).

I wouldn't want to soak right after they ate. Is it really going to hurt anything to wait a day or so to clean him up?

Wouldn't just running a damp, warm paper towel over the dirty area be quicker and less annoying for the snake, and just as effective? Unless of course the aim of soaking is to completely remove the smell of the rat/mouse from the snake.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

Let me tell you now that anybody who tries to act like it does not have an effect on a snake's behavior is either fibbing, inexperienced, or not "in-tune" with their snake.

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So, are you saying that some of the top ball python breeders in the U.S. (RDR, NERD, VPI, etc) are either inexperienced, liars, or aren't in tune with their snakes? You wonder why people jump on you here - it's rediculous statements like that which cause you to catch flak.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

2) Feeding in-cage (live at least) leaves alot of residual scents in the cage which tend to keep your snake primed for feeding much longer after the initial feed.

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There are members on here that breed or keep rats in the same room as their ball pythons (talk about a residual scent!) and have ZERO issues with aggression from their ball pythons.

I'm glad that you gave the in-cage feeding a chance. Your "findings" are from ONE ball python and while I think it's irresponsible to offer definitive advice based on that small of a sample size, what it does prove is that there is absolutely more than one way to successfully keep ball pythons and each owner should decide for themselves what works best for them and their snake.

I just wanted to respond to Bearhart about his post. I think that people should find what works for them and their snake as far as feeding goes. If how you originally fed him was working and your snake was doing well with it, I don't think that you should have changed it. I feed my BP in her enclosure, but I don't get the same results that you got, and as I wouldn't try to change what works for you as far as feeding, I wouldn't go so far as to say that people would be lying or not in tune with thear snake or inexperienced.

I had found that my snake won't eat outside of her enclosure and won't eat f/t. So I feed live and in her enclosure. My Bp has never tried to strike me when I go into her cage, even when I lift her hide where she might be sleeping or whatever and disturb her. My Bp does not seem to have a prolonged feeding response after the initial feed due to anything residual left after feeding live, she eats and then takes a drink and then is off to one of her hides, but then again I don't go into her cage for the 48 hour period after her feed (unless there is a need for a quick spot clean) so I am not 100% sure about this during those 2 days. But like I said she has never tried to strike at me the rest of the time when I go into her cage. Also, I have a tank where I keep extra feeder mice in, which is in the same room pretty close to her cage but where she can't see it, and this has not affected her and caused her to be aggressive. And her cage is a little busy, since it is in the living room and I have tried to make it look pretty with branches and fake plants. But she has never had a bad strike, except for when she is in shed but I doubt that it is due to the cage "clutter" as opposed to it being from shed. Other than that, she tracks the mouse, strikes and the rest is history.

I think that some things work differently for different snakes and for different owners. Things like husbandry should be stuck to 100% but as far as feeding and other experiences, it is different for everybody. But that is just my :2cent: .

OOPS...... Brad said alot of what I said, he just responded quicker :) ......sorry.

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

So, are you saying that some of the top ball python breeders in the U.S. (RDR, NERD, VPI, etc) are either inexperienced, liars, or aren't in tune with their snakes? You wonder why people jump on you here - it's rediculous statements like that which cause you to catch flak.



There are members on here that breed or keep rats in the same room as their ball pythons (talk about a residual scent!) and have ZERO issues with aggression from their ball pythons.

I'm glad that you gave the in-cage feeding a chance. Your "findings" are from ONE ball python and while I think it's irresponsible to offer definitive advice based on that small of a sample size, what it does prove is that there is absolutely more than one way to successfully keep ball pythons and each owner should decide for themselves what works best for them and their snake.

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You should read my post because I never gave any advice - I didn't even say that I was going to start feeding out of cage again. What I said was that I think that alot of people cross the line in their zeal to convince others to feed in-cage. So far I have no evidence to suggest that I couldn't continue to feed in-cage and avoid the problems. But - what I don't like is that people act like there are not ramifications to the choice. I don't believe that at all. Everything you do in how you care for your snake affects its behavior - including whether or not you feed in-cage.

I noticed very definate behavior changes in mine when I started to feed in-cage. I don't care if somebody has 500,000 bp's. My one case is perfectly valid and I have every right to tell people about it.

and no I'm not calling top breeders liars. But that doesn't mean they know everything about the snakes. I could easily start doing things one way and be successful at it and build a big breeding business. That doesn't necessarily mean I've done all sorts of controlled experiments or tried things every different which way. That could simply mean I've found a good way and have been very industrious at applying it.

Just like Adam told me that he's fed live with no issues a bajillion times. But, he also won't say that there is zero risk to live feeding. That's the prudent thing for him to do. he's giving out information but he's not out to trying to persuade people.

Also, breeding and keeping a pet are two different things. I think breeders can offer all sorts of valuable advice about husbandry and such. But, I don't think their advice always maps well to a pet owner. Breeders are focused on different things than pet owners. What's a breeder's concern if their snakes are all wound in their tubs when it comes feeding time? That's a good thing for them. To a pet owner that might not be so hot.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

I noticed very definate behavior changes in mine when I started to feed in-cage. I don't care if somebody has 500,000 bp's. My one case is perfectly valid and I have every right to tell people about it.

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Yes....your case is perfectly valid and you have every right to relate your observations and experiences with your snake.

HOWever...what you are also doing here is DISMISSING everyone else's experiences and observations as meaningless, simply because your singular experience has been different.

You can't say everyone else is WRONG in their observations that feeding in the snake's enclosure has caused no aggressive tendencies.....just like I can't come along and say YOU are wrong in saying it seems to have made a difference in YOUR snake's behavior.

So, if you catch flak for this....it's not for your personal observations or experiences.....it's how you use them to dismiss everyone else's as invalid, exaggerated, or wrong.

and I apologize for generalizing alot. I'll be honest: I'm a bit angry that my BP that never exhibited any aggressive behavior towards me has started tracking me and getting ready to strike when I put my hand in his cage.

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Originally Posted by JLC

Yes....your case is perfectly valid and you have every right to relate your observations and experiences with your snake.

HOWever...what you are also doing here is DISMISSING everyone else's experiences and observations as meaningless, simply because your singular experience has been different.

You can't say everyone else is WRONG in their observations that feeding in the snake's enclosure has caused no aggressive tendencies.....just like I can't come along and say YOU are wrong in saying it seems to have made a difference in YOUR snake's behavior.

So, if you catch flak for this....it's not for your personal observations or experiences.....it's how you use them to dismiss everyone else's as invalid, exaggerated, or wrong.

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Well sorry I'm just angry. I feel like I was mislead (and even ridiculed) by some people who were more interested in "do it like I do" than really being up front with what they knew and didn't know.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

and I apologize for generalizing alot. I'll be honest: I'm a bit angry that my BP that never exhibited any aggressive behavior towards me has started tracking me and getting ready to strike when I put my hand in his cage.

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Maybe you're not feeding enough? It's highly likely that a young, growing BP is just looking for food all the time and he would be tracking your hands now, whether he was fed inside the enclosure or out of it.

Quite honestly, I don't care one whit whether someone wants to feed inside or outside their enclosure. Just like I don't care whether someone chooses to feed live or f/t. I just like to make sure that someone new to "the game" is aware of the pros and cons and misconceptions of each method.

I too have a baby BP, and I feed him out of the enclosure. He is less than a year old and I am feeding him F/T mice for now, and have had no problems. I feed him in a seperate plastic container, and use the long feeder tongs. I sit with him until he he finishes eating and settles down. I pick him up gently and cup him in my hands, then take him to his tank IMMEDIATELY. He usually goes to his hide and I don't get to see him for a couple of days.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

blah blah blah blah blah

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You make broad sweeping generalizations, and you tell everyone else they're either ignorant or inexperienced, then wonder why no one cares what you have to say. Stop dismissing people for one, and two, do what works for you, others will do the same.

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Originally Posted by JLC

Maybe you're not feeding enough? It's highly likely that a young, growing BP is just looking for food all the time and he would be tracking your hands now, whether he was fed inside the enclosure or out of it.

Quite honestly, I don't care one whit whether someone wants to feed inside or outside their enclosure. Just like I don't care whether someone chooses to feed live or f/t. I just like to make sure that someone new to "the game" is aware of the pros and cons and misconceptions of each method.

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Exactly my point. However if you read your standard thread on this issue that's not what happens. I'm not saying everybody here does it but alot of people do. I wish that's the way it was but most threads on this subject aren't that way. I, for one, feel that in this particular case I was given fairly inaccurate info. It does make a difference and I'm going to say so and I'm going to say that everybody who ever told me it didn't make a difference (or was bad) was wrong. sure 3/4 of people here feed in-cage so I'm going to get roasted but whatever.

If you're the kind of person that gives thoughtful unsarcastic replies on subjects like this then I'm not talking about you. I'm not attacking people who feed in-cage. I just think that its not accurate to give the impression that there aren't trade-offs. And, if people are so convinced that that's not the case and somehow my BP is different then so be it.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

sure 3/4 of people here feed in-cage so I'm going to get roasted but whatever.

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if this was who wants to be a millionaire and you polled the audience and the results were three out of four, guess which answer you would choose!



BINGO! REEDICULOUS WINS AGAIN :D :sweeet:



go with the flow..........but ONLY if its right!

Bearhart,

It is one thing to voice your opinion but it is another to sound harsh and angry and say that everyone that told you so was wrong. I don't know if I have read the thread where people were trying to get you to feed in enclosure or whatever happened, but from what I have read on other threads like this, I feel that the general consensus on this site is whatever it takes to get your snake to eat. F/t, live, in enclosure, out of enclosure...... whatever the snakes preferance is then that's what you go by. Each snake is different as well as every owner. My BP prefers live/ in her enclosure. Before I came to this site, all the caresheets I had read basically shunned this idea saying f/t in separate enclosure was the way to go. But I feel as long as I do it responsibly (ie. supervise, don't leave in if BP rejects, etc. etc.) then it is fine. Live is how nature intended and I don;t underestimate the capabilities of my BP. But I am not on here saying that everyone that says f/t is wrong. I understand the pros and cons to both, and this is her preference.

I think it is great that you tried something new, but if it is not working, instead of coming on here all angry because now your bp is trying to strike at you, maybe you should go back to the way that you felt it was working. And if your BP then settles back down and is no longer striking, then GREAT!!! You now know what works for you and your snake. You shouldn't come on here bashing everyone else that you feel was wrong just because that way didn't work for you. There are many different ways to accomplish the same thing, you are always going to undertake a little bit of trial and error to see what works, and when you find what works then stick to it.

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Originally Posted by bearhart

And, if people are so convinced that that's not the case and somehow my BP is different then so be it.

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Your BP is different, because each snake has his own personality. I started out with both of my BP's feeding in seperate enclosures, but when you have 8+ other animals to feed/clean, and then have other things to do in the day, it was just more practical for me to feed in their enclosure, make sure they constrict and kill their rats safely, and then move on. My female normal has shown no noticable difference in behavior when it comes to feeding. But then again, she has a very laid back temperment. My pastel male is more active, and more alert, "stalking" anything that moves near him, and even occasionally will check out the TV. So of course he's going to follow me after he's eaten. He does that reguardless.
How many times had you fed your BP outside of his enclosure since you've had him? Do you think it could have been possible that your snake was still adjusting during that period of time that it would have been difficult to judge his (or her) personality while the snake was still settling in?
~Edit~
Also, if you're so angry about your BP's temperment while being fed in his enclosure, why not switch back to feeding him in his tub? If you're that upset about it, and really believe that feeding in his enclosure is the cause of this bad temperment, then I would just go back to doing what had worked best for you. As long as your BP continues to eat well and is healthy, there shouldn't be a problem.

"08-28-2007 01:30 AM read before posting"

you're funny.





Anyway, just because a snake acts like a snake and not a puppy is no reason to get angry.

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Originally Posted by qiksilver

"08-28-2007 01:30 AM read before posting"

you're funny.





Anyway, just because a snake acts like a snake and not a puppy is no reason to get angry.

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Once again you clearly demonstrate that you don't actually read the posts carefully and are only interested in sarcastic comments and being part of a pile-on.

I clearly stated that I observed a *significant change* in my snake's behavior. That change was significant aggressiveness from a snake that had never displayed any such behavior. If you don't think that's a bad thing then I guess that's OK for you. However, I think that minimizing aggressive behavior would be of interest to any pet owner.

I also apologized and admitted that I was angry. That should be something people respect. But apparently you didn't want to let it ruin your fun.

Also, to other's comments I agree - I will either ride it out and see if he improves or I can switch back and I'm sure he'll go back to his old behavior. That's not what I'm P.O'd about. As somebody who has been on the receiving end of some very demeaning and insulting threads on this very issue, I would like to point out that I think that this issue deserves a little more care than your typical "There's no reason you should do that." or "That sounds like a good way to get bit".

Once again, this comment does not apply to everybody here. I have had several members give me very well thought out advice on the subject.

Anyway, I've said my peace and have no desire to fight with anybody. If I crossed the line in the previous posts I apologize.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Purrrfect9

Your BP is different, because each snake has his own personality. I started out with both of my BP's feeding in seperate enclosures, but when you have 8+ other animals to feed/clean, and then have other things to do in the day, it was just more practical for me to feed in their enclosure, make sure they constrict and kill their rats safely, and then move on. My female normal has shown no noticable difference in behavior when it comes to feeding. But then again, she has a very laid back temperment. My pastel male is more active, and more alert, "stalking" anything that moves near him, and even occasionally will check out the TV. So of course he's going to follow me after he's eaten. He does that reguardless.
How many times had you fed your BP outside of his enclosure since you've had him? Do you think it could have been possible that your snake was still adjusting during that period of time that it would have been difficult to judge his (or her) personality while the snake was still settling in?
~Edit~
Also, if you're so angry about your BP's temperment while being fed in his enclosure, why not switch back to feeding him in his tub? If you're that upset about it, and really believe that feeding in his enclosure is the cause of this bad temperment, then I would just go back to doing what had worked best for you. As long as your BP continues to eat well and is healthy, there shouldn't be a problem.

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I've been waiting to see how he would adjust but so far it only appears to be getting worse. The attraction is primarily the convenience. I was planning on switching back this weekend. I think he's just such an eager eater that he's always hoping I'm going to drop a mouse in. He usually comes out of his hide and gets wound up when I first enter the room. I don't keep rodent scented stuff around.

I can say this. If he's reacting to any kind of smells, that will not last long. I keep my guinea pigs in the same room as my snake rack. For the first 2 weeks or so, I could tell my snakes were alert and noticing the scent. But they got used to that and now it's not a big deal.

I honestly do not understand why that would permanently turn your snake aggressive. I think it may be upsetting to you because I know you've mentioned in threads before that you've never been hissed at, struck at, etc... But it is a fairly normal snake behavior (not ALL the time of course), whether you breed or keep them as pets.

Wow...

I had know idea this was such a touchy subject. Anyway, my opinion on this whole situation is that if some one owns or handles many snakes(or any other creature) of the same exact kind (I'm not talking about 5, 10, or even 20; but alot), they can make pretty accurite judgements about that particular species as a whole. However, if someone else has only one snake (or any other creature) I believe they will know their pet's behavior more than anyone else could just based off of their own personal experiences with it. Basically, IMO ever BP is very similar but they will all behave slightly different. Now I've only had a BP for about a week. So I'm def. not talking from BP experience, but from pet/animal experience in general.

I'm really not looking to argue as I don't feel either side is right or wrong, I just figured I'd add my 2 cents to this bucket of pennies.

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Originally Posted by darkangel

I can say this. If he's reacting to any kind of smells, that will not last long. I keep my guinea pigs in the same room as my snake rack. For the first 2 weeks or so, I could tell my snakes were alert and noticing the scent. But they got used to that and now it's not a big deal.

I honestly do not understand why that would permanently turn your snake aggressive. I think it may be upsetting to you because I know you've mentioned in threads before that you've never been hissed at, struck at, etc... But it is a fairly normal snake behavior (not ALL the time of course), whether you breed or keep them as pets.

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yea its really a mystery to me. He's always been a real good feeder so all I can guess is that now he can hope its feeding time anytime I come by whereas before he would only start getting wound once he was placed in the feeding tub. He would also wind back down immediately before. Now he'll cruise his cage smelling everything the mouse touched for a day or two.

So I think I'm realistic. I'll admit wholeheartedly that I really value his laid back behavior. I think he's a special snake. He eats well and doesn't ever get pissy. Back when I had to give him a round of shots and he was struggling so hard and in pain he still never got aggressive. Even now he's not actually being aggressive towards me he's just always getting ready to eat. Just because I value that and want to preserve it doesn't mean I'm in fantasy land. I have to reiterate that my reaction is based not on his behavior but a relatively rapid *change* in behavior.

On top of that, I have a big carpet python that I use a glove to take out and he huffs at me at least a little bit every handling session. I'm not naieve.

Also, I don't think he's permanently turned aggressive and I'm sure he can be retrained. Actually, I really wish the in-cage feeding would work because its easier on the both of us. But, ultimately, I'd rather have the less "wild" behavior. I can spot it and avoid him but why create that situation if it can be avoided?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

Anyway, my opinion on this whole situation is that if some one owns or handles many snakes(or any other creature) of the same exact kind (I'm not talking about 5, 10, or even 20; but alot), they can make pretty accurite judgements about that particular species as a whole. However, if someone else has only one snake (or any other creature) I believe they will know their pet's behavior more than anyone else could just based off of their own personal experiences with it.

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I agree 100%.