Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm gettin mixed answers on feeding pythons. Some say it's ok to feed in their house other's say remove them and feed in their feeding bin. I was wondering if there really is a big difference. I know some say they might associate opening the top of the housing as feeding time, but what if you open it about a hour in advance, AND even use tongs to adminster food, shouldn't that lessen the chances of accidentally gettin bitten?

Just curious what are ur guys views on this.

Thanks in advance.

I may not be understanding you, but it seems as if you are refering to getting bitten while feeding. You should ALWAYS use tongs/hemostats to feed. BPs have notoriously bad aim and you will eventually get bitten feeding by hand.

The main problem with feeding in the habitat is that you could get bitten during general handling.

Some claim it isn't a problem for them. I don't do it. I guess, if you want to see for yourself, you can try it out, but you could get bitten. If you don't want to test it, then feed elsewhere.

If you always remove your animal with a hook or tongs, then it will be much less likely that you will get bitten, after he's out and being loved, he probably won't think its feeding time.
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1.1 BPs (Syd and Nancy)
0.0.2 Firebellied Toads (Stanley and Stuart)
0.2 French Lops (Jacquotte and Lapine)

It depends on your situation. If you have a lot of snakes removing them from their cages to feed is not practical. I also have some that are so shy that removing them stresses them enough that they then won't eat.

That said, I haven't really had any problems with feeding response. Just take your time whenever you go into the cage, and make sure it isn't after handing they eat. And always use tongs or hemostats to feed. I think the snakes use their heat-sensing pits on the upper lip to aim at prey. If you hand-feed I will almost guarantee that your hand shows up like bright light compared to a mouse or rat with hair. Combine that with the scent from the mouse or rat, and at some point you'll be feeling a little pain.
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Astronomy Picture of the Day

I honestly don't think it makes one bit of difference where you feed them. LOL ask some of the keepers that keep big pythons (retics, rocks, burms, larger boas and so on...) I'd almost be willing to pay someone to take out a 15ft retic feed them and try to get them back in their cage without getting bit! I feed All of my animals in their cage (monitors, pythons, boas, everything!) I've never had a problem. Ball pythons don't pose much of a threat even if you do get bit! I happen to like the nippy ones and don't mind bites at all. These bites are not due to feeding inside the cage (once they are out of the cage). Anyways Moving an animal while eatting or after isn't reccomended! As it is people say you should wait 24-36 hrs before you even think about handling. That's the way I see it.
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John Light
Pristine Pythons
ristinePythons@Hotmail.com" target="_blank">Contact Me

New Web Site Comming Soon!!!

I tend to agree with you. I think getting bitten during feedings has more to do with human error than where you feed the snake. Common sense and patience is key to handling snakes. I don't think it's major issue. Every snake is different and some may bite when fed in cage, others will not.

With that said, when I had my Red Tail years ago I would move it to one of those large plastic sweater box drawers to feed it. It was good because it was easy to clean up blood and the odd rat dropping.
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0.0.2 Bearded Dragons(Ziggy and Stardust)
0.1.0 Royal/Ball Python(Not named yet)

Chances are there is a reason you've been getting mixed answers about this one -- there is no concensus!

It's probably best to just try it both ways and see what works for you.

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1.1 BPs (Syd and Nancy)
0.0.2 Firebellied Toads (Stanley and Stuart)
0.2 French Lops (Jacquotte and Lapine)

It's 100% up to you!

I'v done it both ways and they both have there pro's and con's.

I THINK it's better for the snake to feed in the cage, as said before, moving a snake that just ate is not good for them!

I have heard that feeding a snake in it's cage will make it think it's getting food when ever you open the lid. In my 15 years of keeping snakes I have NEVER found that to be true, but thats me and I'm not saying it's not true but I have yet to see it.

Anyway see what works for you and your snake. With things like this there really is no right or wrong way, it's up to you.

Have a good one!

Out the 100 snakes or so I have there is ONE that thinks its feeding time everytime I open the bin.....most just lift their heads up to test the air and find out whats going on..... But this one comes flying out of the bin in full attack mode ... Trying to get at anything that is warm (me).

It wouldnt be that bad if she wasnt pushing 4000 grms..... I have had a couple of close calls but once she knows its me she calms down and is a sweet snake.

I wouldnt move them to feed..... I dont think it makes much of a difference.

My .02 cents

Raul

Like I said I was just talking about what I've seen with my snakes, but 1 out of 100,that doesn't sound too bad.

Are you sure it's because you feed in the cage? and not just that snake? I would think if it's because you feed in the cage it would be more then just 1 out of 100.I have tried it both ways with the same snake, and with a few snakes not just one. Like my big one, when I first got her I was feeding out of the cage, but for the last 4 years I'v been feeding her in her cage(all but for 9 months, when she had her own 10'x12' room)and she seems to know when it's me and when it's food.

Anyway how you feed your snakes is up to you, and them.
Like I said there is no right or wrong way(when it comes to feeding in or out of the cage).

I feed mine out of the tub. But I put the feeder in the eating bin first. Then I place the snake in the eating bin. No problems yet. I am only feeding 10 balls right now. So I have more time for the process.

I had a corn years ago that would strike every single time I tried to reach in and pick him up. He was fine after I got him out. I was told it was because I fed it in the same place it lived. Ever since then I have fed in a feeding tub. I only have a few snakes and they are pets so its not a big deal to use a feeding bin. I have never had a problem putting them back after they eat, never any regurge. However, my ball immediately goes for the kill the minute he is lowered into the feeding bin. I have to get my hand out pronto or I get nailed. Might not hurt too bad but boy is it nerve wracking! Now I am seriously considering feeding him in his cage as he's going after me anyway. (He's also bit me as I was holding him when my dog ran past. He's got a bit of an attitude.) I do have a baby redtail and a yearling Dumerils that will only eat in their own cage, so I think it is what works for you and what works for your snake.