First in-tank feed: substrate question?

[satomi325]

I'll just throw in my 2 cents: I wouldn't feed him in his tank. I also use eco-earth (cocount fiber) as substrate and I'm sure that if he ingested a little he would be fine. But why take the chance? Plus then he could think your hand is food once he starts expecting his food to be dropped into his tank. I don't see how the cats would be a problem if you feed him in a closed room or just supervise the feeding and keep the cats at bay. Overall, you'll probably be fine, but better safe than sorry - I personally will always feed my BP outside of her cage.

Edit: Cool to see you're in PA! Pittsburgh here. Best of luck!

Actually, your chances of getting bitten is higher if you feed in a separate container. He will associate getting moved to getting fed. And if you use a feeding bin, you're going to be moving a snake who may still be in feeding mode back to the enclosure. That may prompt an accidental strike.

I've fed all of my snakes in their own cage without any issue or behavior change. Most people here will say the same. A ball python knows the difference between you and food...


But whatever works for you.

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[Archimedes]

Actually, your chances of getting bitten is higher if you feed in a separate container. He will associate getting moved to getting fed. And if you use a feeding bin, you're going to be moving a snake who may still be in feeding mode back to the enclosure. That may prompt an accidental strike.

Yeah, this was something I'd not heard before I came over here to BPNet. I'd been taught the opposite, so that's how I started doing it. But As I did more research and watched threads, I realized that it can generally be more hazardous for their health and reactivity, what with sudden temperature variations and the stress of handling after feeding.

We were off to a rough start there for a bit, but I get the idea now. And honestly, it's less of a production for me, to just let him do his business and get on with life without having to supervise against cats. My apartment is entirely open, studio-style, so there's not really any place to put them while Magnus is feeding. I used to stand guard with the repti-mister and shoo them off. Haha.