Posted by:
amarilrose
at Tue Nov 14 18:08:55 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by amarilrose ]
Like everyone else has said, every snake is an individual, so don't get discouraged if your techniques don't work for your snake right away.
I prefer to feed my snakes in feeding bins - plastic tupperware totes with "locking" lids [I use a tall 19qt size for my littler snakes and a 50qt size for my bigger momma]... and there are plenty of people who will tell you that this is unnecessary or (as some argue) bad. I like the feeding bins because:
1) My snakes don't associate me reaching into their cage with the presentation of food.
2) When placed in their feeding bins, my snakes realize that food is on the way, and take a lot less encouragement to eat frozen/thawed rodents. Their feeding response is immediately noticeable when they are placed inside.
...And the reason I bring up my feeding bin method is in my second point there: it takes me a lot less effort to get my snakes to eat f/t!
I leave 1 food item in with a snake in the bin at one time.
If any of them are in a "shy mood" (for lack of a better term) I cover the bin with a towel or blanket and leave them undisturbed for about 20 minutes before checking on them. The trick has been to keep all other humans and dogs out of the room if possible, or at least somewhat calm and away from the feeding bin. 
If I feed f/t (or pre-killed) from tongs, I have found it best to try to not move (as the natural shaking of my hand with my pulse is usually enough to get the animal's attention anyway) and just present the food item head-first towards the snake's head. I do this holding the food item about an inch off of the floor of the feeding bin. If the snake shows interest, then starts to back away, I slowly and very slightly back the food item away - usually this will get the snake interested a bit more, and has on many occasions been the move that actually gets the snake to eat.
I know I ramble a bit, but I hope this helps! Good luck!
~Rebecca
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0.1 Dumeril's Boa '04 (Courtney)
0.2 American Pit Bull Terriers (40lb darling lap dogs:Brandy&Mara)
1.2 Ball Pythons
[1.0 '05 Orange Hypo (Specter)]
[0.1 '05 Het Hypo (Sylvia)]
[0.1 '03 Normal (Sue)]
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RE: for those who feed pre-killed or f/t - amarilrose, Tue Nov 14 18:08:55 2006