That was so cool!

[gruneaugen86]

Tonight I fed my BP for the first time. This was my first time ever feeding a snake at all, so I only had theoretical knowledge of how it was going to work.

I got his rat thawed out and then, for good measure, hit it with a blow dryer for a few minutes in front of his cage to make sure he knew the rat was coming. I grabbed the rat with some tongs, tentatively dangled it in front of Onyx...and BANG! It took all of three seconds for him to strike. Then he dropped it, because he struck the back of the rat and seemed confused, so I picked it back up with the tongs. He struck again, this time right on the head, and immediately started gulping the rat down.

I was so fascinated, I sat and watched (and filmed it, haha) for the entire 10 minutes it took him to eat. I've never seen a live snake feeding before (just on youtube and whatnot) so it was a very cool experience for me. I'm so happy he ate so readily - it helps to confirm that he's likely content and healthy.

I know you all feed your snakes all the time and it probably is an everyday experience now, but I just thought I'd share with a crowd that will likely agree with my feelings toward snake feeding (unlike my facebook friends, most of whom would be freaked out/disgusted by it, ha!).

[Capray]

Good job on your snake care! I just had Indy eat her first prekilled rat, and I remember being super exited when she ate the first time for me, live... Congratulations!

[John1982]

...and BANG! It took all of three seconds for him to strike. Then he dropped it, because he struck the back of the rat and seemed confused, so I picked it back up with the tongs. He struck again, this time right on the head, and immediately started gulping the rat down.

They don't worry so much about orientation until the prey is "dead".. Try giving the rat a little wiggle if the strike/coil is less than enthusiastic. Your snake should wrap all the more tighter to counter the "struggling" prey.

My father kept snakes in his classroom for more than 20 of his teaching career years. Feeding time always drew the crowds - super fascinating stuff! I've been keeping herps over 20 years now and I'll still watch my faster eaters(pituophis). My bulls take all of 30 seconds to swallow an appropriately sized meal, quite a change of pace from the ole regius.

[darthkevin]

When I first fed Tiberius I was amazed as well. He is such a good eater! The only time he takes a minute is when he is being "sneaky" by sitting in the middle of his feeder tub waiting for the mouse to find his way to him. He is so funny to watch when he does it lol.

[Andybill]

I remember the first time I saw a snake feed! It was my hog island boa. I had him for about 5 days to let him get used to his new surroundings and I dropped a hopper in there and it was the coolest thing I ever saw! I still love watching them feed. I did it today!

[iCandiBallPythons]

Watching them eat still amazes me

[Rawbbeh]

I still get a kick out of the thought that...that tiny lil head...and that tiny lil neck...is gonna stretch out and gulp down THIS HUGE FRIGGIN THING?!

...And she does it every week!

[Capray]

^^^^lol!

Is there any significant benefit to making f/t "struggle"?

[John1982]

^^^^lol!

Is there any significant benefit to making f/t "struggle"?

Good for getting less than enthusiastic f/t feeders interested.

[Mike41793]

^^^^lol!

Is there any significant benefit to making f/t "struggle"?

Haha no but i do it to some of mine anyways. My fire male gets so excited over food i like to make him "chase" the rat sometimes strictly for my own entertainment. Then once he wraps it up i like to make sure he kills it real good lol.