My First Snake!

[Bogertophis]

...
The screen lids that sit on top aren't usually a snug fit and they'll wiggle around. This eliminates that wiggle room and closes the tiny gaps.

Yes, I've done that too, as needed, with the other kind of cage tops that aren't in a slide track...fill those gaps!

Snakes are great teachers...

[Craiga 01453]

Yes, I've done that too, as needed, with the other kind of cage tops that aren't in a slide track...fill those gaps!

Snakes are great teachers...

The little tricks of the trade. I wish us "old-school" keepers had these forums when we first started out!!!

[Bogertophis]

The little tricks of the trade. I wish us "old-school" keepers had these forums when we first started out!!!

Oh so do I...!

[aurum]

I offered her food tonight, a little bit earlier in the week than I was planning but I’m going to be away until Monday and I’m sure she’s hungry.
She was out cruising her tank (she could probably smell the mouse thawing) before I was going to feed her, but taking off the lid scared her a bit and she understandably went straight for one of her hides. I dangled the mouse in front of the hide entrance for about 30 seconds but she made no appearance. I ended up leaving the pinky at the entrance and a few seconds later she came out and swallowed it no problem (what a good snake!). I’m just wondering if she would have taken from tongs if I’d waited longer.

[Craiga 01453]

Thats great!!! Kings don't refuse food often...

As for the tongs, that may take a few feedings at least. Even Kings will choose safety over food. At that size, like mentioned before, everything looks like a predator. So they'll be more inclined to hide and wait for the next meal than risk being "picked off" by the larg predator with tongs.

Trust me, you'll see that confidence grow quickly though and your King will display that feeding response in no time.
I swear my boy Django looks like he drank a dozen Red Bulls when he smells his food. He's hilarious!!

[Zincubus]

Kings can just be drop fed ... left on a saucer or piece of wood ..

Safer as well


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[Bogertophis]

I offered her food tonight, a little bit earlier in the week than I was planning but I’m going to be away until Monday and I’m sure she’s hungry.
She was out cruising her tank (she could probably smell the mouse thawing) before I was going to feed her, but taking off the lid scared her a bit and she understandably went straight for one of her hides. I dangled the mouse in front of the hide entrance for about 30 seconds but she made no appearance. I ended up leaving the pinky at the entrance and a few seconds later she came out and swallowed it no problem (what a good snake!). I’m just wondering if she would have taken from tongs if I’d waited longer.

As she gets a little older (ie. bigger, braver & more experience) she'll probably start taking it from your tongs...first from the safety of her hide, & then chasing across the
cage you for it. No exact time-line for when that happens... Yup, "good snake"!

[aurum]

Thats great!!! Kings don't refuse food often...

As for the tongs, that may take a few feedings at least. Even Kings will choose safety over food. At that size, like mentioned before, everything looks like a predator. So they'll be more inclined to hide and wait for the next meal than risk being "picked off" by the larg predator with tongs.

Trust me, you'll see that confidence grow quickly though and your King will display that feeding response in no time.
I swear my boy Django looks like he drank a dozen Red Bulls when he smells his food. He's hilarious!!

That makes sense. There’s only so much bravery you can ask of a little hatchling that’s just moved in.
Still, it’ll be nice to see her gain some confidence with feeding eventually

[aurum]

As she gets a little older (ie. bigger, braver & more experience) she'll probably start taking it from your tongs...first from the safety of her hide, & then chasing across the
cage you for it. No exact time-line for when that happens... Yup, "good snake"!

Yes, I think it’ll be really nice to see her getting more comfortable and confident, however long it takes

[aurum]

Second feeding was another success, this time she took from the tongs! I think it helped that this time she was already in a hide before the lid came off.