Feeding in it's tank? Bad idea? Good Idea?

[Shaffer]

I heard from Spaniard that the whole "Don't feed your python in it's tank" is a myth. (because it will associate you opening the tank with feeding time) Just wanted more opinions on the subject.

[Shaun J]

It's a myth. All you are doing is stressing your snake when you move him to a different enclosure.

[Spaniard]

Think of it logically, if it can associate the tank being opened with food, then the same association could be made when the tank being opened to move the snake to another enclosure.

But since its a myth none of those happen

[Spaniard]

It's a myth. All you are doing is stressing your snake when you move him to a different enclosure.

True but sometimes its an effective way to get troublesome or shy eaters to eat.

[Adam_Wysocki]

I heard from Spaniard that the whole "Don't feed your python in it's tank" is a myth. (because it will associate you opening the tank with feeding time) Just wanted more opinions on the subject.

As long as you are entering your snakes cage routinely for cleaning and fresh water as well as handling regularly, feeding in the enclosure is fine.

If the ONLY time you go into your snakes cage is to feed, then you might have some problems .... but if that's the case, you deserve them.

-adam

[Adam_Wysocki]

True but sometimes its an effective way to get troublesome or shy eaters to eat.

How so?

-adam

[snakey68]

How so?

-adam

I shall answer this from my own experience as I have indeed had success with "problem" feeders by moving during feeding time to a box that is small and dark and they have ate every time. For me I find it tends to induce a feeding response which is the intention with any problem feeder.

Most of mine eat in their enclosure fine but I have had some that simply would show no interest at all in their own enclosure. At times like these I look to offer an alternative and moving my snakes into a small box with a warm heated f/t Mouse has proved to be very effective with problem feeders.

I simply allow them half an hour or so to eat then gently place them back in their own enclosure and off they go to their warm hide to digest.

sometimes it pays to improvise and do something a bit different and if it works and you have a healthy snake that is eating and growing and doing well then its a plus.

I will add however this is a very infrequent thing for me to have to do but I am happy to get them eating even if that entails moving them for a very short period.

thats my experience of it anyway.

[Spaniard]

How so?

-adam

Yea what he said

Seeing as how Andy was the person who offered me the idea, which i must add worked with my recently shy male, I'll let his answer speak for the both of us.

I don't plan on making this routine, but if he won't take in his enclosure and he will in the box then box it is. But I prefer feeding in the enclosure, b/c of the stress related issues.

[Adam_Wysocki]

I shall answer this from my own experience as I have indeed had success with "problem" feeders by moving during feeding time to a box that is small and dark and they have ate every time. For me I find it tends to induce a feeding response which is the intention with any problem feeder.

Most of mine eat in their enclosure fine but I have had some that simply would show no interest at all in their own enclosure. At times like these I look to offer an alternative and moving my snakes into a small box with a warm heated f/t Mouse has proved to be very effective with problem feeders.

I simply allow them half an hour or so to eat then gently place them back in their own enclosure and off they go to their warm hide to digest.

sometimes it pays to improvise and do something a bit different and if it works and you have a healthy snake that is eating and growing and doing well then its a plus.

I will add however this is a very infrequent thing for me to have to do but I am happy to get them eating even if that entails moving them for a very short period.

thats my experience of it anyway.

It just means that the snake needs more security to feed .... the same thing can be done "in" the enclosure if it's set up properly for the snake ... small tight hides, crumpled paper, etc ... no need for an additional box.

-adam

[Spaniard]

I agree Adam,

I have since then changed my viv set up completely. Sub-ing out my hides that look nice with those black rectangular hides that seem to have made my snakes quite cozy. I think its going to help give them a big bump in security.

I acknowledge fully that my need to feed in a separate enclosure was due to a husbandry issue that I hopefully have corrected. Like I said I like feeding in the enclosure and my goal is to have a regularly feeding snake in its home enclosure.