First Feeding Questions

[fr3nchvanilla]

Hi Forum!

I'm sorry for all of my recent questions. I really tried to find the answer to my current question in the forums but there are so many!

I am going to try feeding my BP Rhaego for the first time (for me) this Sunday. He is a 6 month old Hypo and was being fed live large rat pups at the store.

My questions are as follows:

-Do I need to remove anything from his terranium before I try feeding him? Such as his hides ect?

-How do I introduce the rat to him? I did purchase a pair of feeding tongs, but have no idea how to use them.

-If the rat does try and bite him what is the best way to go about removing it?

Thank-you so much for your help!

[rperry03]

Hi Forum!

I'm sorry for all of my recent questions. I really tried to find the answer to my current question in the forums but there are so many!

I am going to try feeding my BP Rhaego for the first time (for me) this Sunday. He is a 6 month old Hypo and was being fed live large rat pups at the store.

My questions are as follows:

-Do I need to remove anything from his terranium before I try feeding him? Such as his hides ect?

-How do I introduce the rat to him? I did purchase a pair of feeding tongs, but have no idea how to use them.

-If the rat does try and bite him what is the best way to go about removing it?

Thank-you so much for your help!

Place the rat pup outside of his hide (if his in it) and he will do the rest if he is hungry and wants it. Mine likes to pull it inside the hide and enjoy their dinner in private.

[ballpythonluvr]

I just place the rat inside the enclosure with my snake and then I watch him strike and coil to make sure the rat is not biting him. I always have my feeding tongs handy in case the rat tries to bite the snake, that way I can place the tongs in the rat's mouth to prevent a bite. I have been feeding live for a while and I have not had any biting incidents yet. Once I know the snake has a good hold on the rat and is not being bitten, I leave the room and let the snake eat in peace.

[el8ch]

I'm sorry for all of my recent questions. I really tried to find the answer to my current question in the forums but there are so many!

That's what the forum is here for, no worries.

Like the others have said drop the rat in front of his hide if he is in it and your snake should do the rest... and in a hurry. If my guys refuse live food I tend to remove the rat no longer then an hour after the intitial feeding. Depending on what type of substrate you are using you may want to lay a papertowl down or a piece of cardboard down to prevent your snake from eating any unwanted substrate. I have one messy eater who really likes to drag his rat around after he kills it so that papertowl helps.

Happy feeding!

[fr3nchvanilla]

I have a mix of Aspen and Cypress Mulch, should I place the paper towel over it? Or wait and see if he's messy or not and consider something for next time? Thank you all for your help.