*yawn*

[stevepoppers]

If she eats, handle away...

[punkoldschool]

just remember to let her have 48 hours after she has had something to eat before handling again

[Kaorte]

just remember to let her have 48 hours after she has had something to eat before handling again

Thank you. If your snake just ate yesterday, do not handle it. If you handle it right after it has eaten then you run the risk of a regurgitation.

Also, I would just feed in the home enclosure. Feeding outside the enclosure only creates more stress for your animal and makes you more likely to receive a bite. It doesn't prevent her from "associating your hand with food". If anything, the association would be stronger if you feed outside the enclosure because you have to physically pick up the snake and move it very close to feeding time and directly after when the snake is still in feeding mode.

[savedtolive]

Thank you. If your snake just ate yesterday, do not handle it. If you handle it right after it has eaten then you run the risk of a regurgitation.

Also, I would just feed in the home enclosure. Feeding outside the enclosure only creates more stress for your animal and makes you more likely to receive a bite. It doesn't prevent her from "associating your hand with food". If anything, the association would be stronger if you feed outside the enclosure because you have to physically pick up the snake and move it very close to feeding time and directly after when the snake is still in feeding mode.

The only reason why I feed in a separate box is because that's how she was being fed in the pet store. When she's done eating, I put the box in her enclosure and let her slither out on her own. I don't pick her up once she's finished eating.

[Kaorte]

The only reason why I feed in a separate box is because that's how she was being fed in the pet store. When she's done eating, I put the box in her enclosure and let her slither out on her own. I don't pick her up once she's finished eating.

If you think she might have a problem eating in her home enclosure I can assure you, she won't.

If she eats in the separate enclosure then great, but if she ever refuses, try in the home enclosure.

[stratus_020202]

My snakes yawn, or stretch. Usually it's when I get them out and if they are out too long they get sleepy and relaxed and almost always yawn. I think they do it when they are getting ready to go back to sleep too.

I can't say I've ever had one yawn at the pet store, but they have on the way home. Make sure you trust your pet store to the fullest extent. It doesn't take much to get mites from newly ordered snakes.

Other than that. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

It's not necessary to feed outside of her enclosure. The only reason pet stores do it, is because they keep a lot of snakes in one tank, and you can't feed them together. But, it's a really good idea to put the box in her enclosure and let her get out on her own. As long as she is healthy, you do what makes you comfortable.

[stevepoppers]

Yeah, pet stores do a lot of things that aren't great ideas...

[savedtolive]

My only fear about feeding her in her enclosure, is that she might get a piece of aspen stuck on the mouse and digest it.

[punkoldschool]

if thats your only worry give this thread a read http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=121604 i was kinda worried about the same thing at first but if someone with so much experience doesnt have a problem why be worried

[stevepoppers]

Those whole small rodents they eat? They have bones inside of them. Bones are much harder to digest than aspen. Same goes for hair and teeth and claws. And did you know that humans eat a lot of things they can't digest? Beans and corn are the first to come to mind...