Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A few things i am not too sure on as i get ready to feed my little corn later today.

What time is best for feeding? afternoon, dusk, or dark? the snake is usually active around dusk and then as far as i know pretty much stays put in the daytime, and is always in the same hide every morning (right in middle between cool and warm side.

I plan on feeding in a critter keeper. After he eats is it too stressful to pick him up to put him back in the cage? Is it better to tilt the container in the cage to coax him out himself, or should i use something i can place into his cage and let him come out himself?

Does a lid on the feeding container matter? will he more readily eat in say an old container with lid and a hole in the center of the lid something like an old plastic ice cream container?

after he eats should i actually raise the temp on the under tank heating pad? I have read that heat helps with digestion but not sure if it is beneficial to raise the temp or just the normal warm side temp is fine. I have a human one from Walmart set on low it is about 86 (thanks to those who gave that tip i almost paid $35 for a snake/reptile one that i found out would need to be dimmed or it would be way too hot).

just a little nervous about his first feeding in my care lol
thanks

I dont realy think it matters when you feed it, if its hungry it'll probably eat anytime, but If you want to I would try to feed it when its most active. I just feed my corns in there cage but if you have more then one you should make sure they stay separate. But Its safer to feed them out of the cage if you have bedding but it would probably be fine. An ice cream container would be fine if your gonna leave for a little bit I would put a lid on the container, you dont have to put a lid on if your gonna to stay there. A lid would take some distractions away. If your gonna leave for a while make sure the snake cant get out. Put a few holes on the sides or on the top of the lid.
Good Luck Feeding.
Blake M.

Corn Snakes Rule

Don't be nervous. Don't turn up your heat...Your gradient should be fine. I like to feed in a container small enough to place in the tank and then maybe tip it slightly to encourage the snake to crawl out by itself. I use a lid for some and not for others. Some of my snakes always seem to go right for the food, while others like to try to crawl out. There are many ways to go about it. You have the general idea. Good luck.

>>What time is best for feeding? afternoon, dusk, or dark? the snake is usually active around dusk and then as far as i know pretty much stays put in the daytime, and is always in the same hide every morning (right in middle between cool and warm side.
>>
Corns are more nocturnal so I feed mine in the evenings.

>>I plan on feeding in a critter keeper. After he eats is it too stressful to pick him up to put him back in the cage? Is it better to tilt the container in the cage to coax him out himself, or should i use something i can place into his cage and let him come out himself?

I always transfer my snakes form their feeding containers to the respective habitats as soon as they have their food all the way down. I just pick them up and move them. They will be fine. Just don't be rough with them.

>>
>>Does a lid on the feeding container matter? will he more readily eat in say an old container with lid and a hole in the center of the lid something like an old plastic ice cream container?

You better make sure the feeding container is escape proof. You turn your back for a second and the snake could be gone.

>>
>>after he eats should i actually raise the temp on the under tank heating pad? I have read that heat helps with digestion but not sure if it is beneficial to raise the temp or just the normal warm side temp is fine. I have a human one from Walmart set on low it is about 86 (thanks to those who gave that tip i almost paid $35 for a snake/reptile one that i found out would need to be dimmed or it would be way too hot).
>>

No, leave the the heat pad on low. If the temp is 86 on that side things will be fine.

Jimmy

He became active at 6pm so i gave him 15 minutes and decided to try feeding him.

Thawed one but thought it was kinda big so i thawed another slightly smaller one and placed it in the container then placed him into the critter keeper with it. He almost immediately began smelling and moved right to the pink. After a little tongue flicking he found the head raised it up a little with his nose and opened his mouth and ate the first one no problem.

He seemed to start searching again after getting the first one down so i put the other one in and he took that one as well.

They only left a slight bulge so i thought 2 would be fine. Left him alone in the critter keeper a few minutes until he himself tried to get out and i gently picked him up and placed him in his tank, he went right for his favorite hide.

it sure feels great to have a healthy snake after getting one on deaths door and loosing it because of a pet shop impulse buy.

Appreciate everyone's help

Wayne

>>It's always a relief when that new snake eats.
-----
Remember, My posts are MY opinion only!
Jimmy (draybar)