soem will eat and some won't eat during shed, offer like said just don't get upset if the bp turns it nose up at the food while shedding . as for the tub I am not sure as to the type od tub I use 34 -40 quart tubs and hte side seem to be liftable if the snake really wants to get out. I say if you got the room about the tub ( if you are using a rack) either slide a 2x4 along the top to hel phold down the lids or if a single tub a red brick should work. not the best looknig thingk but I know some people get covers for bricks to make look nicer. I need ot make an opening for the 2x4 for my tubs cause I do have one that tries ot get out ever so often and it a pain playing hid and seek with young corns. (won't be a problem once she get larger and the lid opennig too small.