Designated Feeding Place

Abby · 10-09-12, 01:37 AM

I just read in my snake book that sometimes it is a good idea to remove your snake from its tank and place it in another place such as a plastic tub to feed in. This is apparently to "prevent the snake from associating its home terrarium cage with food" and "may help prevent mild bites because many snakes fed inside their terrarium come to associate the opening of the tank's lid with feeding time and may bite their keeper in association of a meal". Is this true? Does anyone else do this?

StudentoReptile · 10-09-12, 02:48 AM

Used to....but its just baloney. Not sure exactly who started it, but its baloney.

Gungirl · 10-09-12, 03:50 AM

Feed in the tank and don't add stress...

Lankyrob · 10-09-12, 03:51 AM

It's all rubbish - i fed in a tub for a while but after a couple of feeding bites from trying to get the snake back in their viv afterwards i now feed in the viv, on the substrate and have had no issues whatsoever

Abby · 10-09-12, 04:40 AM

Okay, I don't think I'll try it.

ZStone · 10-09-12, 05:11 AM

I think it depends on how much you handle your snake(s) They are like anything else they learn by association it 90% of the time you opening the cage and throwing a rat in and 10% getting it out to clean the cage when you open the cage the first thing itgoing to do is go into food mode but if your like the rest of us and get it out every now and then You shouldnt have a problem. Thats just my opinion though

Abby · 10-09-12, 05:15 AM

I really like to handle my snake, and although I just got him, I can see myself handling him quite often. This leads me to another question - you guys are saying that it would be stressful to move him to another environment to eat...is it also stressful when I handle him? If I handled him daily, would he become used to it and not be so stressed?

ZStone · 10-09-12, 05:23 AM

I love to get mine out. Daily handeling isnt a good idea though. Also if you go to RedTailBoas.com Main Menu - The Front Page they have an awesome care guide on there with loads of useful information you can only view it if you not a member but you can download it in pdf format if you sign up.

Abby · 10-09-12, 05:34 AM

I'm sorry for all the questions but why isn't daily handling a good idea?

ZStone · 10-09-12, 05:48 AM

It just causes them to much stress. they aren't like other pets they are more sensitive there more of a display animal. stress can cause them serious issues some animals die due to it. they can stop eating they can get sick, it can really harm them.

ZStone · 10-09-12, 05:49 AM

thats not to scare you from picking them up anymore just be aware and watch for signs

ZStone · 10-09-12, 05:52 AM

example of signs of stress would be but not limited to Balling, hissing, striking, constant "exploration", refusal to feed, stuff like that

Abby · 10-09-12, 05:54 AM

Thanks for letting me know!

ZStone · 10-09-12, 06:12 AM

not a problem. You should really check out that care guide I told you about on redtailboas.com its one of if not the best ones ive read. you should read more than just this one though cause when it comes down to it most of them is just someones opinion and with snakes i have noticed everyone has a different one

Lankyrob · 10-09-12, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZStone

I think it depends on how much you handle your snake(s) They are like anything else they learn by association it 90% of the time you opening the cage and throwing a rat in and 10% getting it out to clean the cage when you open the cage the first thing itgoing to do is go into food mode but if your like the rest of us and get it out every now and then You shouldnt have a problem. Thats just my opinion though

I barely handle mine anymore, they are display animals more than anything for me. So 90% of the time when i open their door it is to change water or feed. I have no issues with cage aggression/biting/striking at all with any bar my JCP who is just an ornery ******* anyways.

My personal opinion is that the amount of handling has no effect on snakes biting when you reach into the viv. Snakes know that you aren;t food cos you dont smell like food. If you are assertive when reaching in to get them and dont wave your hands around in front of them nervously then there should be no issues.