Socializing A Shy Eater?

[Galaxygirl]

So when I have a super jumpy BP that freaks out every time I open the tub, I noticed it can also be harder to get that BP on f/t, because they're so distracted by my presence they flinch every time I move. Most of us have experienced that one BP that needs complete darkness, no vibrations, a hide, etc in order to feel comfortable enough to eat.

One solution I've always thought about but never tried is just socializing the BP. I've got my new little girl that is scared to death of me, and it's hard to get her to eat her f/t because she's so skittish. My first BP was like this, but I just held her for 10-20 minutes a couple times a week, and now she doesn't flinch at anything and eats every f/t from me, she even lets me pinch her cheeks (sometimes ).

Has anyone else noticed a better feeding response from your snake the more it becomes comfortable with you? And why wouldn't this work? People always tell you to just leave the snake be and don't bother it if it's a skittish eater, but maybe getting the snake to recognize you as not a predator could help with the feeding process?

[gaitedappy]

I can definitely see your logic here. So far with both of my snakes they haven't been skittish eaters, but the little girl was skittish when I first brought her home in general. After handling she's calmed down a lot. So I definitely think your theory might have some substance to it.


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[Eric Alan]

You've definitely stumbled upon a decent 2nd option - attempting to have them learn that you're not some Godzilla monster set on trying to eat them.

While I wouldn't recommend it as the first choice for shy/picky eaters, there is certainly some potential there for this route once the normal options have been exhausted and you don't over do it (which it sounds like you're well aware of).

Congrats on your success!

[redshepherd]

It makes sense! I don't have a gauge of that, because I handle all of them almost daily, ever since I got them- and none were the skittish kind.

It also applies for some cases of converting to F/T, if the BP is clearly distracted by your movements and flinching back or in defense mode. In Cake's case previously, he just simply wasn't interested in the F/T.

[BCS]

I do have one ball python that would rather take a chunk out of me then got for a F/T rat. I give most of my snakes a hide in their tubs. So I usually take this male's hide away, wave the rat in his face, and then throw the rat in his tub and close it. If I leave him like that for 20 minutes, the rat will be gone. I don't think this is shyness though, more of aggressive. But when I hold him, he is a sweet heart. I have not had a problem getting my shiest snakes to eat though. If they are very shy I don't take them out of their hides. I stick the rat in the entrance of the hide and shake. Usually works but sometimes there are some that just wont take F/T.

I am not sue if handling would make this better or worse. I do handle all my snakes aggressive, shy, or sweet and sometimes they change to trusting you, but quite often it doesn't .

[Ax01]

i have two girls - Black Pastel Champagne and Pastel Leopard - that i've been socializing. they're still both hissy, but haven't tried to strike me in the past month. both are also now on f/t. a little TLC goes a long way.

(TBH i just don't think these girls like being outta their tubs.)

[Galaxygirl]

I do have one ball python that would rather take a chunk out of me then got for a F/T rat. I give most of my snakes a hide in their tubs. So I usually take this male's hide away, wave the rat in his face, and then throw the rat in his tub and close it. If I leave him like that for 20 minutes, the rat will be gone. I don't think this is shyness though, more of aggressive. But when I hold him, he is a sweet heart. I have not had a problem getting my shiest snakes to eat though. If they are very shy I don't take them out of their hides. I stick the rat in the entrance of the hide and shake. Usually works but sometimes there are some that just wont take F/T.

I am not sue if handling would make this better or worse. I do handle all my snakes aggressive, shy, or sweet and sometimes they change to trusting you, but quite often it doesn't .

She'll poke out of her hide to investigate the F/T, but if my hand moves she freaks and goes back into her hide. To me it seems like she's afraid of my hand, so that's why I thought getting her comfortable with me could help.

[Asherah]

I have a shy guy that handling seems to have helped as well. You still have to be careful not to stand too close, but he is much improved.

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