Feeding. Ft in the tank? Ok? Bad?

[tj4x4fun]

We just got a male fire from Mike Willbanks at constrictors unlimited and he has been eating very well except while in shed. After a week of shedding he ate in his separate feeding tub but the last few nights hasn't showed any interest other than trying to get out of the tub. So I put him back in his tank and he went straight to the hot side hide. I decided to wiggle the mouse in front of his hide and WHAM he attacked. He then dragged the mouse into the hide and consumed it.

Was this ok to do? I know that's how they feed in the wild. Will this make him tank aggressive? Just don't wan to be bit when getting him out to handle or clean the enclosure.

[satomi325]

It's fine to feed in his enclosure. Almost everyone here does it without issue.
No, it does not make the snakes aggressive. They know the difference between you and food. In fact, you have a higher chance at getting bitten by transferring them to a separate tub. Moving a snake that is still in feeding mode isn't the smartest thing. And most ball pythons eat more consistently in their own enclosures because they feel more comfortable.

As long as he's not hungry or you don't smell like food, you're fine.

[Saber402]

It is not necessary to use a feeder tank. Feeding in the snakes enclosure does not make them aggressive. However, you should avoid putting your hand in the enclosure for a while after feeding, as they may still be in feeding mode and may mistake your hand as prey. Always give them at least 24 hours to digest the prey before handling again. I personally go 36+ hours before handling. This prevents regurgitation if they become stressed and gives them plenty of time to come out of feeding mode.

I have six ball python and two Brazilian Rainbow Boas and I put none into a feeding tank. I have never been bitten by any of them. They are docile and healthy.

[Spencer88]

I feed in there enclosures and it works great. Never had problems with them getting aggressive.

[Badgemash]

The only one of mine I move for feeding is only because she's experimentally on aspen for the time being (it's a boring story, but PM me if you really want to hear it). I had a mild accident feeding on aspen a few months ago so I move her as a precaution. And f/t vs. live doesn't make a difference either in this scenario, just be sure to wash your hands well afterward so you don't smell like food to him. I'm glad he's eating for you!

[Crazymonkee]

I also feed in the enclosure, no aggression issues

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[tj4x4fun]

Thanks for all the replies! I feel much better now. I had a friend who had a large female that he fed in the tank and when every you opened the lid it would strike at you. Maybe she was just a wild one. That was back in the 90's.

[tj4x4fun]

So what's better ft or live?

[Kensa]

So what's better ft or live?

What do you prefer? This is a personal choice and most members feed whichever works best for them. Some who have small collections prefer F/T, some with larger collections and feeder colonies prefer the ease of feeding live because they have a constant supply. Either way you choose, always feed responsibly with appropriate sized prey.

[KMG]

F/T or prekilled are your safest options. When feeding live you need to watch each snake kill the prey to make sure the prey does not attack your snake causing damage by biting or clawing.

F/T and prekilled can just be tossed in without having to watch the snake. This can also help shy snakes eat because you can leave them completely alone.

F/T can also easily be bought in bulk and stored which I rather much more than raising prey.