Quote Originally Posted by gardenfiend138 View Post
I agree, and from all I've read I am very fortunate to have such good eaters. That aside, advantages are: no risk of impaction from ingested substrate, no rat contamination in enclosure, I can observe the feeding and make sure my snake isn't being hurt, and since my box is cardboard, there is no risk of a missed strike resulting in a broken jaw.
Ok. I use paper towels, so there is no ingested substrate. My tubs are clear so I can observe everything at eye level. My balls are used to there tubs, and it is where they feel safe. They aren't stressed by a new place, and I don't handle before or after eating. My rats aren't in there long enough to make a mess until they are constricted, unless they aren't eaten. In that case, they get new towels. Which is so much easier to clean than an type of loose bedding.

The top priority is getting them to eat, so feed them where they are comfortable. Then you can decide what is best for your snake. To me there are more advantages to you feeding outside, than the snake. A snake can digest bones, substrate is no issue. I'm telling you the wild is not clean. Lol. I'm pretty sure they could care less of a few mouse droppings are in there.

And, although I haven't seen any proof of handling after feeding leads to regurgitation. It's still frowned upon. Is it worth the risk?