First ball python! Could use some guidance.

[Annarose15]

Ok, question. Ever since she ate the rat yesterday, she has been curled up in the hide at the cool side of the tank. Shouldn't she be at the warm side to digest properly?

She knows where she needs to be, don't worry. One comment on your feeding style, though - I scruff the rat with the tongs rather than holding the tail. It's rather unpleasant to be left holding the tail sheath if it comes off when she grabs it.

[TheBallPython]

Oh god, I can't imagine! Would rather not have that happen, lol. Thank you for the advice!

[Herpenthusiast3]

She knows where she needs to be, don't worry. One comment on your feeding style, though - I scruff the rat with the tongs rather than holding the tail. It's rather unpleasant to be left holding the tail sheath if it comes off when she grabs it.

X2
Not that mine will take F/t anyway. :/

[Blitzjg]

What do you mean by scruff the rat?

btw this thread has been quite amusing and informative...

[Herpenthusiast3]

What do you mean by scruff the rat?

btw this thread has been quite amusing and informative...

The excess skin around the neck. The scruff of the rat.

[Blitzjg]

Oh makes sense, just never heard it used as a verb before.

[KMG]

I hold by the tail and when my snakes hit it hard and fast when I'm not ready I end up with a tail in my hand. I just toss it out. I wouldn't say it is gross and I don't think my snakes ever notice.

I tried holding by the scruff but I didn't like the chance of my snakes striking the tongs.

[MootWorm]

I hold by the tail and when my snakes hit it hard and fast when I'm not ready I end up with a tail in my hand. I just toss it out. I wouldn't say it is gross and I don't think my snakes ever notice.

I tried holding by the scruff but I didn't like the chance of my snakes striking the tongs.

Ewwwww I'd say that's gross. Although I also think it's gross when I have little rat pup feet broken off in my sandwich bag Lol I've never lost a tail that way, but I'll take your word for it.