Feeding Question (eats well, but insane response)

[pilot511]

I have a 75% Diamond male carpet, gorgeous guy but insane feeder...Now this is not a bad thing, I'm just looking for some advice...
I usually feed my snakes in a separate enclosure, when I feed this guy in a separate enclosure he gets almost stuck in feed mode, hasn't nailed me, but has tried to, tried to constrict my hand a couple times, etc...I have experience with carpets so not too much of a big deal just looking to facilitate things.
When I feed him in his enclosure he thinks everything coming in is food and makes its a little more difficult to grab if I just want to take him out.
He is a pretty mellow guy, just typical interested carpet behavior...Any suggestions from people? My thoughts are either get a hook, or one of my other snakes I take him out, put a f/t rat in, then put him back in and he eats it...Suggestions are great, thanks.

[likebull1]

I think i read this right, but you shouldn't have 2 snakes in the same cage. Having each snake in its own cage would completely get rid of this problem

[pilot511]

I only have one snake per enclosure...My concern is:

If i feed him in enclosure he thinks everything that comes in is food from that point on.

If i feed him in a separate feeding box, he does not snap out of food mode and can be tough having a 6foot diamond python thinking everything is food around it.

I usually feed my snakes in a separate enclosure but I had gotten this guy as an adult and he is pretty tame, has not bitten me at all, well (knock on wood) yet.

[bigballs]

you should invest in a hook for sure.

[DavidG]

Bull, I think he means that he will put the rat in a tub then the snake. Instead of putting the snake in then offering food.

I have to agree with big, get a hook. I feed in the enclosure and hook mine out. Once out it's no big deal. I've even reached in with my hand and got nothing more than a good sniff. Every snake is different though. I think it's how you teach them. This one is past the stage of knowing and just wants to eat.

[pilot511]

Yeah I'm probably going to buy a hook...what sizes do you guys have? I was looking either 28 or 38 inch...I knew I should eventually get a hook, most of my carpets are between 4-6 feet, just have insane appetites.

[MPenn]

Invest in a hook.
I use a hook for all my large carpets and blood pythons. I feed everybody in their enclosure.

It may take a little bit but the snakes will become accustomed to it after a while. When I need to get into the cage for anything other than feeding, I slide the cage door open, and run my hook on top of their head and forefront. Kinda like stroking them. I then can hook them out or reach in and grab them out. They will associate the hook with handling or other interaction and not feeding. Remember to stay consistent.

[tbowman]

Feeding in separate enclosures serves no purpose unless you have loose substrate. Either hook train it or if you have sliding glass doors, use one to feed him and one to take him out.

[Colin Vestrand]

i use a hook to kinda push their head away from me as i grab their tail... works wonderfully. i would never feed a carpet in a seperate enclosure though... little agressive for that action.

[DavidG]

Feeding in separate enclosures serves no purpose unless you have loose substrate. Either hook train it or if you have sliding glass doors, use one to feed him and one to take him out.

I have to say that if this is a general statement I disagree. It's a matter of opinion and that should not be disputed. Many people, myself included, feel it keeps the animals from learning that when the door opens food is coming in. I can honestly say that I have some animals that are fed in cage and do not even sniff before coiling.