Quote Originally Posted by MasonC2K View Post
Personally, I have never seen a reason to feed is a separate area. The idea that a snake can associate opening their enclosure to food is a myth.
I also disagree. I handle all my snakes on a regular basis, but my boa still assumes that it is feeding time when it comes time to get him out. I typically just watch his behavior though, if I can easily grab his mid section and get a hold of him without his head being near by, I will and he'll be lifted before he has a chance to tag me. If his head is right up front I use a hook to get him out. Typically he realizes that it is not feeding time if he gets touched. Otherwise it's a whole different story. I personally don't care if he thinks that it's feeding time when I go to get him, I would rather him associate his cage with food than coming out with food. My other snakes don't give a crap where they eat, especially the corns. The ball won't eat if being watched, so he just gets his rat laid in the cage under the same hide he is in.