using a hook could be a possibility as well when he gets older....

i generally use tongs for the food, so i wouldn't think i'm smelling like the food, but that is also very possible.

the strange thing is that for almost an entire year, this is how i would normally do things week to week, and both snakes used to be completely and totally calm to and from their terrarium/feeding bin, which is like a 2 foot difference, its not like i'm handling them for that long. i literally would pick them up, turn around and put them down.

the boa would always would be a little more hesitant and attentive than the ball python, but would never do anything. especially one i actually picked him up, he would realize that.."oh, i'm being put back in my home now, i don't need to worry."

its only been in the last month that almost every time its been time to feed, he has thrown a bit of an attitude, lol.

i think i may just try feeding him on a 5 day schedule instead of the 7 i've been doing for both. maybe that way his stomach won't be making decisions for his teeth. hehe

thanks for the response again!