Quote Originally Posted by echinox
New BP owner here, so bare with me . I've been reading many of the threads on live vs PK or F/T and have come to the conclusion of personal preference, for whatever reasons anyone may have. (ease of one over the other, cost, "pickyness" of BP, etc).

What I haven't been able to find is just how much of the animal/wild instinct does feeding live retain? In other words, does NOT feeding live lessen the aggression of the snake and thus the likelyhood that it may strike the handler (me)?

Also, I've heard/read about feeding the snake (regardless of live vs prekilled) on a box or enclousure outside of its tank to avoid food association with your "hand going into the tank", is this true?

Thanks, and bare in mind that I'm a newbie .

good question I will answer IMO.

I feed mine F/T and have aggressive strikers/ feeders and some not so aggressive so it boils down to individual snakes IMO. Comes down to preference as you say, I dont think you need to feed outside teh tank but I do on occasion if the tank needs cleaned wehn feeding time arises , otherwise I feed in the tank on almost all occasions.

There are times if I have a particular picky eater then I will place in a small box with their respective prey and it works for me but most should feed in the tanks when they are hungry fine providing their tank is set up in terms of requirements.

I dont think they associate feeding with your hand going into the tank if your not "ONLY" interacting when feeding. If you are handling and cleaning out regular then feeding in their tank wont change anything IMO

In terms of how much of their instinct they retain feeding live v pre killed thats a whole new thread LOL ....some would say I am sure that the instinct is stronger feeding "LIVE" and I would probably agree with it but since I dont feed mine live I cant say for sure .......perhaps one of our "live" feeders on here that also feed F/T can offer a more definitive answer in that respect.

anyway best of luck your at the best forum I know of to debate and get opinions you can mull over and make a choice suited to you and your snake.

Snakey