Marcy,



I understand that snakes don't respond well to long term Pavlovian style conditioning, so I try to keep up with these 'habits' as best I can. Snakes do respond well to short term memory situations, so as long as I maintain these habits I expect I'll continue to get positive results.



Here's a few things I do,



- I never handle food items with my bare hands. I always wear latex gloves when handle their food - this is to keep my scent off their food. I don't want them to have any association whatsoever of "me" with "dinner".



- I also use a lighting 'scheme'. I have a separate light that I only use during feeding. Incidentally, that light is also a dimmer light than the normal ones - though I don't think it actually matters to them (as long as they get their dinner!).



- I only offer food items through the door on one side, while I only access them through the door on the other side. This helps to give them a spatial association with 'dinner time'.



- I try to maintain a strict feeding schedule. Every Sunday. Sunday night to be precise. They actually do seem to anticipate this each week (which makes me question just how long/short their conditioning capabilities are).



- Whenever I access their cages to take them out I blow a couple of short, quick breaths into the cage (not directly onto them, just into the cage in general). My intention is both to alert them with my scent that it is indeed "me" (and not dinner), and also to assess whether they are in the mood for coming out to play (which is usually obvious for anyone who knows their pet well).



To date, I've seen exceptional results as evidenced by the tame disposition, health, and apparent happiness of my snakes. Whether it is any one of the habits I employ or any combination of them, I don't know. But something is working, and well - and I'm glad for it.



Thanks for reading,

- Mark

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