The Age Old Question

[Skiploder]

Yet another thread about whether to feed inside their home enclosure or use a secondary one. I am not looking to start arguments; I really want to hear the pros and cons opinions from both sides. In case any of this info is pertinent: Kaa is a pastel, weight unknown atm but about 15 inches, unsure of sex, low traffic room that only I go in, only f/t are available in my area, I plan to handle him as opposed to having him as strictly a show snake. If any more info is needed just let me know.

My concerns with feeding in the home enclosure:
1)I want to grow Kaa to be the type of snake I can handle regularly (within reason) and I've heard feeding this way causes them to confuse handling with feeding and creates snapping responses for them
2)I use substrate and have heard that feeding f/t to them while on substrate can pose a risk of them swallowing it, leading to impaction or rupture of the bowels.

My concerns with using a separate enclosure:
1) Less convenient as it requires a secondary setup with it's own heat, hides, and bedding (small concern but i'm listing it anyway)
2) I would think that being moved to a less familiar enclosure would cause stress and could potentially contribute to poor feeding or denying feeds altogether (partly my thinking to why Kaa hasn't fed the last two times)

Again I have seen this Hatfield and McCoy dispute since the first time I read up on keeping snakes; I'm not really looking for a one is better the other shouldn't be considered, and I know each snake and handler's situation are unique, I'd just like to hear everyone's experience and suggestions so I can figure out what my desired situation would best require.

TL;DR take the poll and post your thoughts on your choice.

It may be an age old question, but it's been answered....right?

Handling is dependent on several factors - some of which you control, some of which you don't. You can control the amount of time you spend positively interacting with your animal, which can increase it's tractability.

However you cannot control it's personality. Some animals have sharper temperaments. Not much you can do with a snake in this regards.

One thing that will not occur - your snake will not be more prone to biting if you feed it in it's enclosure. Anyone who tells you otherwise is blowing smoke up your rear.

As for the substrate issue - again, ask one of the experts who mouths off about substrate impactions if they've ever experienced one in their collection firsthand. 98% of those will say "nope" You are done with them.

2% will say yes. Most of these are flat out lying. You can weed these liars out by asking them if a necropsy was performed.

I have not run across one person in 30 odd years in this hobby that has lost a snake that has ingested wood substrate. I've talked to people that THINK that's what a death in their collection has been attributed to.........but they never confirmed it via necropsy, and oftentimes severe bloating in snakes (which looks like a blockage to the uninformed) is one of several other very common ailments.

I have fed, bred and raised God knows how many snakes on PINE substrate. I've seen them swallow whole mouthfuls of wood without incident. I've talked to vets who see impactions in small, neonate snakes that are fed on SAND, but not wood.

On the whole, the health and behavioral concerns with feeding in the main enclosure are unwarranted and misleading. They are internet BS that has been spread forum to forum by people who gain experience by reading instead of by doing.

On the other hand, the risks associated with feeding in separate tubs/enclosures are real and true. The snake is put under more stress, as feeding time now involves two handling sessions/moves. The first runs the risk of putting an animal off of feed. The second puts it at risk for a regurge.

Additionally, the keeper elevates the chance of being bit by handling a snake soon after feeding. Many animals stay on "point" for much longer than anticipated.

If/when you move on to bigger and more aggressive species, the notion of using a separate feed tub becomes laughable. Drys will get sharp as soon as they smell food, and the process of moving can elicit a lacerating bite. Drys will stay on point much longer, and a post consumption move will also elicit a lacerating bite.

No, there are no good reasons - better yet, no reasons which have a solid foundation in logic - which necessitate feeding in a separate enclosure.