Can I feed my BP in the bathtub?

[littlebp]

I got my first baby ball python last week and today is her feeding day. This will be my first time feeding her so I just have a few questions. I know I'm supposed to thaw the frozen rat in hot water, so how do I know when it is ready? And I don't have a separate tub yet that's big enough to feed her in so I'm wondering if I can put her in the bathtub and keep an eye on her while she eats. I also have some shoeboxes if that would be better but I'd like to be able to watch her in case she tries to escape or anything. I plan on picking up a cheap plastic bin from walmart soon to use for feeding. Also any tips or suggestions would be helpful!

[supertiger retics]

Please feed your snake in its cage. The stress of being watched and moved around after eating, could cause the snake to not eat or regurge its meal. Thaw the food in a cup of hot water for about 10mins. You want it hot but not to hot, as that may cause the prey item to bust open.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Just feed her in her cage. You actually increase your chances of getting bit by feeding in a separate container.

You need to thaw the rodent until it is completely thawed. I just feel for any hard spots that are still frozen, then use something like a hair drier to heat the rodent up to 100 degrees F.

[elbee]

Feed her inside her enclosure. She won't get cage aggressive and is much more likely to eat for you. I usually thaw my rats in warm water for an hour or so and then change the water out again. Push up under the ribs to make sure it is warm throughout and see that its head is warm. Some people blow dry them for a minute, but I just dry mine off with paper towels and feed.

[katiekat]

I got my first baby ball python last week and today is her feeding day. This will be my first time feeding her so I just have a few questions. I know I'm supposed to thaw the frozen rat in hot water, so how do I know when it is ready? And I don't have a separate tub yet that's big enough to feed her in so I'm wondering if I can put her in the bathtub and keep an eye on her while she eats. I also have some shoeboxes if that would be better but I'd like to be able to watch her in case she tries to escape or anything. I plan on picking up a cheap plastic bin from walmart soon to use for feeding. Also any tips or suggestions would be helpful!

Feed her in her enclosure, it will stress her out more to move her to another area for feeding. As far as thawing the mouse goes, you can put it in a plastic bag, or rubbermaid full of warm water, wait till the mouse is moist and no longer hard, run it under some hot water for a few seconds and towel dry it and you are ready to feed. You can also dry it and heat it with a hair dryer.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Thaw the food in a cup of hot water for about 10mins. You want it hot but not to hot, as that may cause the prey item to bust open.

10 minutes? How hot is the water that you are using? I usually thaw mine out over about an hour.

[Rob]

You can feed wherever your little heart desires. But your best bet is to feed in the enclosure, it's easier on you and the animal.

[RoseyReps]

Is there any reason specifically you're wanting to feed her in a separate tub? It really isn't neccesary for ball pythons, and in many cases can be detrimental to their feeding response. It also puts you in the place of handling a python in "food" mode, which can increase risk of getting tagged.

Anywho, if you're determined to feed outside of the enclosure, the bathtub should be alright for a single feeding (if she'll eat). As long as you watch her like a hawk. If she doesn't strike or seem interested quickly, don't leave or back off "to give her privacy" in the tub. She will find a way out, and you will be posting a new thread about how to find a lost bp. Also, make sure to block the drain hole. Much better to wait, and get a proper tub for her to eat in where escape is not an option, than to give her privacy and lose your python. (again, if she strikes or seems interested in the food quickly, awesome. If she doesn't and is more concerned with finding a way out, just wait and get the better tub)

In all honesty though, your best bet is to feed her in her own enclosure for the best feeding response. Cage aggression is a myth (in relation to feeding), and unless you just rubbed rat all over your hands and went to pick her up, you're not going to get a feeding tag from a python that is well fed. Defensive tags are a whole other ball game (ha) though.

[supertiger retics]

10 minutes? How hot is the water that you are using? I usually thaw mine out over about an hour.

Hot enough to where you can stick your hand in it, and not burn the crap outta yourself....lol....Or should I have said VERY warm water.....And it only take about 10 minutes for my mice to though out

[littlebp]

The only reason I wanted to feed her in a separate enclosure is that in my research before getting her I kept coming across people saying it might make her aggressive or when I'm just trying to pick her up she might confuse my hand for food and bite. However, since you all seem to say that it's a non-issue then I have no problem feeding her in the enclosure. I just didn't want to get bitten when I just want to spend time with her another day!