How often to try to feed a reluctant feeder?

[Fataltix]

Is your cage not escape-proof?

There are two main things here that are stressing out your snakes. Having both in one enclosure and feeding in a separate bin.
However, with two in the same cage, you HAVE to feed in a separate bin to avoid cannibalism.

I'm sorry to tell you this, but no, there is no other method to reducing their stress. If the cage itself has good husbandry, isn't too big, and the temperatures are right; the stress is from being with the other.

Have you seen them 'cuddle' at all? This behavior demonstrates dominance and the top snake is being extremely dominating. This is very stressful.
If one gets a RI from being so stressed, they'll both get it. Double the vet bills.
Also, cannibalism is possible; especially if one is bigger than the other.

If price is the problem, get yourself one or two tubs with lock on latches and set up the snake in that. They cost around $5-10.

I would just like to address a few things real quickly as he has PM'd me about the issue in the past.

First off, most people seem to jump to the conclusion that the snakes are indeed dominating one another and that "the top one is being extremely dominating." I mentioned this to him and learned something interesting... Syntax, the snake NOT feeding, is always on top. Interesting.

Secondly, I see a lot of people telling him off to just go buy another tub and that they only cost 5-10$. Well lets run through what a tub based setup costs roughly, for those of us without heated rack systems:

-Tub: 5-10$
-2 heat pads (hot/cold): 30-50$
-Thermostat: (minimum) 30-50$
-homemade/purchased hides: 10-20$
-water bowl: 5-10$
-Extra substrate: 5-10$

For someone who is in a tight spot in the money department this could be difficult to just fork up out of no where. Last time I checked, 85-130$ isn't just chunk change. Also, he mentioned the issue was space, he doesn't have house space to store an extra cage.

Perhaps someone could help him by adding a different method of reducing stress other than the suggested and already answered methods?

Someone mentioned that feeding him in a separate enclosure could very well be what's stressing him out. Well perhaps he should try placing the other snake in a box for a little while and feeding Syntax within his own enclosure?

Cheers!
-Fatal