Bandit

Here are pictures of Bandit

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...r/P2290007.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...Picture095.jpg

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...Picture117.jpg

Do you feed Bandit on the floor?

Very nice:)

yes we do. but lately we have been putting a bag down.

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

yes we do. but lately we have been putting a bag down.

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Interesting.

why is that interesting? its better then feeding in the cage.

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

why is that interesting? its better then feeding in the cage.

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Uhh... I would rather blood on bedding that I can clear out easily then blood on my floor... or mice poop on my floor... or worse... rat poop and pee! ;)

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

why is that interesting? its better then feeding in the cage.

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Please elaborate on how feeding on the floor is better than feeding in the cage.

I cannot grasp this concept.

there are many reasons:

1.they dont swallow substrate they cant digest

2.wont confuse your hand with food everytime you go to pick it up

3.Feeding on a plastic bag is cheaper and more sanitary because you dont have to worry about cleaning up their tank and redoing substrate and all you got to do is rinse down the plastic bag

4.if rats/mice poop or pee you dont have to worry about cleaning that up because itll be on the plastic bag versus in the tank

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Originally Posted by Kaorte

Please elaborate on how feeding on the floor is better than feeding in the cage.

I cannot grasp this concept.

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Nor I. :confused:

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

there are many reasons:

1.they dont swallow substrate they cant digest

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They were awesomely designed to be able to handle a little substrate - no one is clearing away leaves and twigs for them in their natural environment. They can break down bones, hair, teeth and nails with their stomach acids, they can also break down some subtrate.

I've never had an issue with swallowed substrate (and I feed 40+ ball pythons a week).

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2.wont confuse your hand with food everytime you go to pick it up

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What's to keep him from associating the floor with food? Now he's going to associate your hand with food every time you put him on the floor.

Basically, that's a myth. You aren't feeding him every time you go into his enclosure, so why should he make the assumption he's going to be fed each time?

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3.Feeding on a plastic bag is cheaper and more sanitary because you dont have to worry about cleaning up their tank and redoing substrate and all you got to do is rinse down the plastic bag

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I don't think that just rinsing the bag makes it more sanitary.

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4.if rats/mice poop or pee you dont have to worry about cleaning that up because itll be on the plastic bag versus in the tank

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I guess I don't find it that difficult or a pain to spot clean as needed.

Why it's bad:

1) If you're feeding live, the rodent could easily get away.

2) The snake might get stressed out for being in such an open environment when feeding.

3) A snake would never feel good being handled after eating.

And FYI, just because Slim says it's interesting doesn't necessarily mean that he thinks it's bad, and you don't have to start defending yourself.

i got an idea how about i control my snakes the way i want and you can control yours the way you want. and for the record i wasnt being defensive i was just replying to the question i was given.

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

i got an idea how about i control my snakes the way i want and you can control yours the way you want. and for the record i wasnt being defensive i was just replying to the question i was given.

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Sorry, but this looks defensive to me:

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

why is that interesting? its better then feeding in the cage.

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We're just trying to give you advice on how to make your BP the best he possibly can. We're not trying to bash on you or whatever you might think we're doing.

oh ok im sorry i completely misunderstood! thanks for the advice and opinions :)

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

why is that interesting? its better then feeding in the cage.

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No...no it's not, for many reasons.

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

there are many reasons:

1.they dont swallow substrate they cant digest

2.wont confuse your hand with food everytime you go to pick it up

3.Feeding on a plastic bag is cheaper and more sanitary because you dont have to worry about cleaning up their tank and redoing substrate and all you got to do is rinse down the plastic bag

4.if rats/mice poop or pee you dont have to worry about cleaning that up because itll be on the plastic bag versus in the tank

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1. Depends on the substrate, but even with a very loose substrate, they can handle small amounts without fear of impaction.

2. Possibly the biggest myth in the BP hobby. They don't try to eat things that aren't food. Defensive strikes are differnet, but it's not out of food confusion.

3. BPs are ambush hunters by nature. Hard to ambush a rat out in the middle of the living room.

4. I've yet to see a rat that could out poop or out pee a BP, and I assume you clean that up.

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

i got an idea how about i control my snakes the way i want and you can control yours the way you want. and for the record i wasnt being defensive i was just replying to the question i was given.

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That sounds a bit defensive to me. I totally agree that you can treat your snake as you see fit, but the members here have collectively about 5,000 years more experience than you and I combined. The advice you get here is tried and true. Sure, you may have that one of a kind BP that eats like a champ off the living room floor, but that doesn't make it recommended.

Interesting.

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Originally Posted by Slim

Interesting.

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Very. :gj:

Sorry about the :hijackd: but I feed my BP in a bin separate from his cage, is that alright?

oh yea thats fine, me personally i like feeding my BP's out of their tank too. i dont feed live only pre killed so i dont have to worry about them getting bit or let alone having the small rat run haha.

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Originally Posted by Slim

No...no it's not, for many reasons.



1. Depends on the substrate, but even with a very loose substrate, they can handle small amounts without fear of impaction.

2. Possibly the biggest myth in the BP hobby. They don't try to eat things that aren't food. Defensive strikes are differnet, but it's not out of food confusion.

3. BPs are ambush hunters by nature. Hard to ambush a rat out in the middle of the living room.

4. I've yet to see a rat that could out poop or out pee a BP, and I assume you clean that up.



That sounds a bit defensive to me. I totally agree that you can treat your snake as you see fit, but the members here have collectively about 5,000 years more experience than you and I combined. The advice you get here is tried and true. Sure, you may have that one of a kind BP that eats like a champ off the living room floor, but that doesn't make it recommended.

Interesting.

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I totally agree...

And you say you're feeding your snakes in a bag? Where did you get these ideas on how to feed your snake? I'm just wondering because I've never heard of anyone feeding their snakes in a bag or floor. The only way I could see it good to feed in a bag is if it is a paper bag that way it would be at least dark when they would eat, but you said you "wash it out" so it has to be a plastic bag?

I feed my snakes in their racks... drop a mouse/rat in... close it up... end of discussion. I don't have to pick them up and stress them out... I don't get hit by defensive strikes.... and no regurgitation. They get to eat in the privacy of their home where it is nice and dark. And once they are done they go in their hide and take a nice nap. And, most of all, all my snakes are happy!

I don't think feeding out of the cage is necessary, but I don't think it's wrong either. Some have better success with it, some argue that it adds unnecessary stress... If it works for you, then it works for you :) :gj:

oh no no i dont feed them in a plastic bag, i feed them on one. but i get what youre saying when it comes to feeding them in their own surroundings. what ill do is ill let them eat and swallow their food and let them crawl around for a bit so that way they can work their rat down and stretch a little. then i pick them up by their neck and end of their tail very gently avoiding their mid section and put them back gently. ive had no problems and they settle down instantly when back in their tanks. full and happy :)

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Originally Posted by Koolaid

I totally agree...

And you say you're feeding your snakes in a bag? Where did you get these ideas on how to feed your snake? I'm just wondering because I've never heard of anyone feeding their snakes in a bag or floor. The only way I could see it good to feed in a bag is if it is a paper bag that way it would be at least dark when they would eat, but you said you "wash it out" so it has to be a plastic bag?

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:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I think she said she feed her snake on a bag. :rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Originally Posted by Slim

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I think she said she feed her snake on a bag. :rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Blonde moment?? :rolleyes:

I was actually more focused on watching this ridiculous ending to Tool Academy.

haha its ok we all have those moments :gj:

I feed my corn outside of her cage because she has the coconut substrate which sticks to everything everywhere, but when I pick her up after feeding I actually support her body at the mouse... this way she's done weighed down by the mouse.

Just my .02 ;)

ah gotch ya. that stuff can be kinda of annoying. i use eco earth for my ball pythons and red tail boa. keeps humidty at a good level, doesnt really stick to anything, and easy to spot clean. i highly reccomend it :)

I've heard that myth before several times regarding associating your hand with feed. In my opinion, it's false. Now when you get to feeding larger pythons and if you're not feeding with tongs and not hook training, then yes, I would be worried, but still wouldn't feed outside the enclosure. Everyone has their own way of doing things though. Whatever works for you and is safe for your snake, is great ;)

Personally, I feed inside the enclosure. I have Viva papertowels as substrate in both my bp and my rtb's cages. The humidity in both cages are perfect as well as temperatures. They both eat f/t. My bp is still young so I haven't gotten tongs yet, but use large hemostats with my rtb. Like I said, everyone has their own methods and sometimes different ones work better for different people.

Your ball looks cute and great pics so keep doing what works for you ;)

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

ah gotch ya. that stuff can be kinda of annoying. i use eco earth for my ball pythons and red tail boa. keeps humidty at a good level, doesnt really stick to anything, and easy to spot clean. i highly reccomend it :)

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The coconut stuff is Eco Earth. IMO in sticks to anything wet.

Just feed in a box... just as easy..

Put the snake in, the put the rat in. That's what I do. :) They're disposable--but they last for a long time, and I don't have a problem of them accidently eating bedding. Plus, They've associated eating with the box, and only go in strike mode when they're in it. They've never tried to bite me for 4 years. :)

thats what i used to do until they started crawling outta it and wanted to be on the floor. haha they are goofy.

Glad to hear your snake is eating well for you. Looks like she is still a baby since she is eating rat pinks. When she gets older she might get a little more skittish of her surroundings and may be a little freaked out when removed from her enclosure. If it ever becomes a problem I would suggest feeding in her enclosure. You can put the prekilled rodent on a paper plate so she doesnt injest susbstrate if you are worried.

I feed about 60 BP's a week in there enclosures. Some could care less where they eat but most are very skittish and wouldnt do well if removed. If it ever becomes a problem it is definately something to consider.

In the wild BP's are most vulnerable when eating/swallowing so they like to feel secure.
In many cases the need for security is stronger than the need to eat.

The two main reasons a ball wont eat is tempreture and security.
Just something to keep in mind if you should ever experience a feeding problem.

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Originally Posted by West Coast Jungle

In many cases the need for security is stronger than the need to eat.

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I find this very interesting. :)

Do you have any scientific research to back this up or have you concluded this from your own observations?

appreciate the advice. right now she eats like a champ and havent had any problems and shes about 6 months but true, who says that there couldnt be a problem later.

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Originally Posted by DutchHerp

I find this very interesting. :)

Do you have any scientific research to back this up or have you concluded this from your own observations?

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This is from my own personal experience and years of research. Ask anyone who has ever tried to get a wild caught to eat. Many will go over a year without eating. Anyone who has worked with BP's long enough will tell you an insecure snake wont eat.

It makes sense since that they can go long periods without food but can easily become someone elses dinner if not cautious. Whenever I have a problem feeder I put them in a smaller enclosure and have alot more success.
Now kingsnakes are a different story, they dont get spooked so easily like a BP.

My two eat like garbage disposals. I was underfeeding them (accidently) and now that we're back on track they're gaining almost 250g a week. xD It's really nice to see.

I used to have a feeding problems with both of my snakes--I would have to force feed, prekill, bag them, UGH. I just gave it some time and now they're amazing. I don't even prescent the room or anything. They strike as soon as they see it and eat right after. I love these guys. xD

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Originally Posted by Flicker

My two eat like garbage disposals. I was underfeeding them (accidently) and now that we're back on track they're gaining almost 250g a week. xD It's really nice to see.

I used to have a feeding problems with both of my snakes--I would have to force feed, prekill, bag them, UGH. I just gave it some time and now they're amazing. I don't even prescent the room or anything. They strike as soon as they see it and eat right after. I love these guys. xD

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250 g a week:O are you sure cuase they are only going to gain around the same weight of what you feed them, most likely less since they eliminate some of they prey (poop). a 250 gram rat is preety big so your bps must be absolutley massive., 250 a week thats 1000g a month. my 2000 g girl eats a 300 g rat every 10 days and she gains maybe 50 g a month.

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Originally Posted by Kryptonian

250 g a week:O are you sure cuase they are only going to gain around the same weight of what you feed them, most likely less since they eliminate some of they prey (poop). a 250 gram rat is preety big so your bps must be absolutley massive., 250 a week thats 1000g a month. my 2000 g girl eats a 300 g rat every 10 days and she gains maybe 50 g a month.

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well, don't forget - they poop too :)

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Originally Posted by BanditNClyde

there are many reasons:

1.they dont swallow substrate they cant digest

2.wont confuse your hand with food everytime you go to pick it up

3.Feeding on a plastic bag is cheaper and more sanitary because you dont have to worry about cleaning up their tank and redoing substrate and all you got to do is rinse down the plastic bag

4.if rats/mice poop or pee you dont have to worry about cleaning that up because itll be on the plastic bag versus in the tank

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I have one ball and one boa, my roommate has a ball and I used to have one other...we always feed in their cages...we have had well over 400 successful feeds between the 4 of them in a little over 2years and have NEVER had those problems...

but hey if that what works then...good i guess, just wait till they get bigger rats are unruly...

and when the boa gets to rabbits, i dont think i want a bunny hopping around

oh thats awesome. well i guess everyone has their own preference and as long as they are eating and are healthy thats whats really important :D