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My roommates and I are just getting into snakes. My question is what are the advantages of feeding a snake in a separate enclosure? We have two cal kings, and a eastern garter. From what I can assume, feeding it separately cuts down on them mistaking our hands for food. But as of now, we have no problem handling our snakes. I see some people say it is an absolute must, and others claim its worthless. thanks for any input.

It helps in a couple of ways...

1. You can ensure that the snake ate rather than just pushing the mouse around until it buried it in the litter. You find these bloated mice a few days later!

2. You can ensure that the snake isn't ingesting any cage substrate with the food. Cage substrate can cause damage to the alimentary canal.

3. You can prevent the snake from becoming "food trained" in its cage. This is where a snake gets used to you opening the cage and placing food in. Some species will anxiously anticipate this and lunge at the opening to the cage whenever it is opened. Snakes that are fed in separate containers don't usually have this problem.
This problem isn't that big a deal when you are dealing with cal kings, but when you have a large snake, it can be a real threat. (I actually have a couple of Ball Pythons who are really bad about this - watch where you reach!)

4. When dealing with kingsnakes, it can make breeding introductions a little less scary if the snakes aren't used to being fed this way.

5. And if you are keeping more than one snake in a cage, it ensures that everybody gets something!
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Chris Harrison

...he was beginning to realize he was the creature of a god that appreciated the discomfort of his worshippers - W. Somerset Maugham

At first I saw how it was a good idea to feed the snakes in a seperate enclosure, but then I also heard how you aren't supposed to pick the snake up after it just ate for a couple days. My kingsnake is young so it's pretty feisty anywayz, and i don't want it regurgitating after every meal. What I do is get a small glass plate and put the mouse on the center and then put it in the tank, and so far my snake hasn't had a problem eating substrate or anything. I guess it's all just preference and what you are willing to deal with.
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~Banana~

Well, I initially remove the snake from the enclosure and use this as a chance to inspect the snake. Then I put food in the enclosure and finally put the snake back and close the lid.
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Martin Whalin

"It is foolish to let singleness of purpose deprive one of the joy and delectation of the many wonderful sights and sounds incidental to the quest."
-Carl Kauffeld
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