Handling Issues

[Ara]

okay well is what i meant to say then is, more people have told ME, to feed outside of her tank. no need to be snippy. u seem to really know what your talking about so i will feed inside of her enclosure.

[Seak]

okay well is what i meant to say then is, more people have told ME, to feed outside of her tank. no need to be snippy. u seem to really know what your talking about so i will feed inside of her enclosure.

Yeah it really shouldn't be a big deal feeding in the enclosure. When you normally go in to handle her, you won't have the scent of a mouse (hopefully lol). Plus if she's hungry enough to strike at you in between feeding days thinking you're food, you'd probably need to feed her more!
But I've fed in its enclosure and I've had no problems.

[Ara]

for a python her age? should feeding be different?? maybe a 5 day schedule?? shes pretty big, like over 4 feet long, maybe a medium rat??

[dr del]

Hi,

I feed all my adults a small rat once every 7 days and they seem to do quite well on it.

They are all big enough to eat a larger rat but I have found they feed more reliably on smaller, regular meals, and don't go on as many "hunger strikes" - though I do still get the odd one or two.


dr del

[stratus_020202]

Same as Dr. Del. What gets them into feeding mode is the smell of the rat. They can usually tell the difference between your smell and a rat smell. I wouldn't worry about feeding inside the enclosure. It might even put less stress on her by not moving her.

I feed all 9 of mine inside thier enclosures. I have never been mistaken for a rat. Just remember to wash up before and after snake handling. I keep hand sanitizer in the room. Just don't get any on the snake.

She will get used to you with time. Of course, it is a personal preference of feeding in/out of their homes. There are a lot of people who feed in seperate places, and are successful at it. It is a myth that they will mistake you for food. Unless you are holding a rat. Just remember to keep a regular schedule. They will learn what feeding day is. Good luck!