Quote Originally Posted by barbie.dragon View Post
The whole feed in in the enclosure= accidental prey bite cannot happen unless you reach in exclusively to feed the snake. This is classic conditioning. For classic conditioning to work it has to happen every single time in a consistent manner. If you open a tub or terrarium only to feed your snake and no other time then yes, the snake will be conditioned. However most responsible breeders and pet owners inspect tubs and terrariums almost daily. Because of the inconsistency, the classic conditioning will not work. This is for ALL animals, not just exclusive to snakes. So I wouldn't call it a myth because it can happen but under strange conditions. Most zoos will feed large snakes in a separate tub or area so they can do cleaning around the living quarter without the animal in the enclosure. I don't know how frequently the zookeepers visit the animals, but if its that infrequent then I would not be surprised if they fed in a separate area.
The conditioning you mention is what I was counting on. To, in a way, "trick" my BP into accepting an unfamiliar meal, (frozen/thawed). I do, as you mentioned that zoos often do, and use the opportunity of having him occupied elsewhere to do cage maintenance. And, like you mentioned, being that my snake has learned that food is coming when the top is opened on the tub, I'm aware of that and I am cautious when reaching back in after he is done, and for that matter anytime I reach into his cage. I usually reach in and touch him away from his head, and once I touch him he knows he is going to be handled, or that I'm not feeding him. He hardly reacts when I enter his enclosure anymore, so I feel pretty confident in having my daughter, for example, reach in and pick up the snake. Previously he had shown such an aggressive feeding response when his cage was opened she was afraid to reach in, though I was never bitten he was very aggressive and came right up to the door anytime the cage was opened expecting a meal. Now after several months of "conditioning" that is no longer the case. The only reason he is ever in that tub is to feed, and when I am removing him for any other reason I bag him, (which he hates by the way; always squirms around and tries to find a way "outta this bag" til I remove him!). Therefore he now associates the tub with meal time. I've always considered even the friendliest of snakes as having a potential to bite, so I'm always aware of that possibility. Another reason zoos sometimes feed larger animals away from their exhibits is to spare the general public from seeing the snake constricting & eating it's prey. This was a listed policy where I worked, along with various other husbandry issues, (and yes, a good opportunity to do maintenance). They also had lockable hide boxes that doubled as isolated feeding areas for venomous snakes, and likewise used the opportunity to do exhibit maintenance. As far as how often do they "visit" with their animals; I would have to say on a daily basis. We always had at least two keepers present when any exhibit was opened, and most were opened daily for inspection and maintenance of one kind or another. I should mention, during the four years I was associated with that institution, no handler was ever injured in the reptile house, while two keepers were seriously injured in mammal exhibits during that time. I credit that to training, good rules and policies, good exhibit design, and good husbandry.

Like I said, for me it's a matter of preference. I just prefer too feed my animal away from his enclosure for various reasons....I guess I'm just "conditioned" to do it that way!

Thanks for your response!