Was not sure if this is the correct forum (general herp), but it encompasses, in my experience, 3 different snake species.

In any event, I have 3 snakes. Male Hypo Lavender Corn Snake (adult), Female Albino Spider Ball Python (adult), and a Female Ivory Ghost BCI (1 1/2 years old).

My BP has always been shy when eating and often, if not mostly, will not strike at her F/T rats. She will either pick it off the tongs gently and eat happily, or will wait for me to put it down and walk away, and then will eat.

My corn snake usually strikes, but if I drop the F/T mouse in, will often just come and grab it and eat it. I hear they will eat anything, so that fact he doesn't constrict sometimes does not shock me.

My BCI has eaten 5 times for me now. She has, up until last night, struck at her F/T rat. Last night she seemed ready, but did not strike and after 2 minutes of shaking, I put it down and walked away. I came back ten minutes later and she was happily eating it.

Part observation and part curiosity.

I imagine some owners wonder if this is normal, or what to do if a snake does not strike at the F/T prey item. It appears, from my limited experience, that some snakes would rather not have the excitement of someone standing there and would happily eat the prey if left alone.

Has anyone else experienced this? Would you consider this "normal" or do I just have odd snakes?

I will also note that none of the my snakes are aggressive, and are actually very docile. None have struck at me (I also only feed at night with all lights off and handle with lights on). I also wonder if more aggressive snakes are also less shy and are more likely to strike at prey?