Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey,
i just got a red tail a few eeks ago and wanted to know what the best substrate is.(im using paper towels for now) also i was curious on what the best feeding technique is, live food? in the cage? in a seperate container? and is handling and playing with him after feeding ok or not??

thanks for your help...

I use non printed newspaper as substrate, feed all my snakes f/t rat pups, or rats. I feed mine in their container, people have said to use a seperate so the snake doesnt expect food in its cage. However I have had more problems with snakes striking when I used a seperate container. When I would reach into the feeding container he would think food was coming. Handling after feeding can be a BIG no no if the snake isn't adjusted to you or is nervous abuot being held. They may regurg food, which is harmful to the snake and not too pleasent. What's your heat source? How big is the snake? How big is the cage?

my snake is a little less than 2 feet, and he's in a temporary 20 gallon cage until i build him a bigger one. im using a normal undertank heating pad. he is pretty playful and i habdle him all the time....so i guess i could handle him after eating..thanks burmuda, need all the help i can get.

p.s. whats f/t? sorry im new to this

f/t=frozen thawed, p/k=pre killed. I'd rather you not hold him after he eats for about 3 days. How much are you feeding?

f/t=frozen thawed, p/k=pre killed. I'd rather you not hold him after he eats for about 3 days. How much are you feeding?

i havent been holding him until 24 hours later....but im feeding live and hes having no problems and still very friendly. i feed every sunday