Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I'm concerned with a certain feeding strategy that seems to get thrown around alot. I can see why it would make sense to feed a small/medium sized snake in a separate container. But a large retic after a meal, no matter how large the prey item might have been, is always ready to hit the next one. Does it make any sense to spread the word that handling a large snake shortly after a meal is a good way to avoid bites?My retics are very well behaved snakes, but I wouldn't trust moving any of the larger ones anywhere after feeding. Personally I feed all 10' animals inside their cage and seem to have no prob when handling time comes around. Can anyone relate with me on this one or am I just crazy?

I feed my retic in his cage. I barely have room for one house for him, let alone another just for feeding purposes!

He always thinks it is feeding time so when I'm not offering food, I have to difuse him of course. It's easily done. But, when I clean his cage, I always feed him when I'm done (as a reward for being a good boy LOL!). He knows the routine and looks for his food afterwards. My point is, we both *know* eachother.

...I do leave him alone after a feeding.

I usually do not handle my retics the day of, or the day after feeding. I also feed them in the cage. I would be there all day if I had to remove each retic from it's cage to feed, then wait for them to eat, then put them back. Plus the extra amount of space required would not be possible. I also feel that handling them right after feeding is not the best thing for digestion. I have a small female that will regurgitate if handled at all after feeding. Of course, she bites EVERYTIME a hand or anything comes within reach. (She is a joy!!! let me tell ya)I also try to atleast reach in and get them out each day when not feeding or the day following, even though it may only be for 30 seconds or so. I usually do it when I change their water bowls. I also use this time to spot clean. They get used to whatever routine you set them on. But, there are some who will not conform and set their own schedules, lol.

Tabitha is 4 yrs old and 17' +/- a foot. I built her cage with a trap door and lower feed box. I put in her food, (pre killed) and open the door. She goes down and eats and comes back up when done (99% of the time). There is NO CONTACT durring feeding. With a snake this big and still growing, even opening the cage to feed is a risk. If your wondering how often she comes out, click the link below. Chow, Coleen.

Tabitha

I couldn't see the pic of your cage,but sounds like a good idea!I'm thinking that a drawer(bank teller style)in the side of a custom cage would work well too!