Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have seen a couple references to feeding snakes in a separate tank and that this may potentially help with making the snake more docile or less likely to strike at a hand coming into the tank. I do work in the animal welfare field, (mostly with dogs and cats, but I do work with all species) and there is the possibility that this snake could be used for some education work with both the public and my co-workers. Of course I wouldn't want to put him in a situation where he was becoming overly stressed, but I do think it is important to educate the public on humane care and unfortunately most animal control/humane officers have no idea what a healthy or emaciated retile looks like.
So, long story short I would really like to work with this guy to make him as handle able as possible. I'm confused about how feeding them in another enclosure works. My understanding is that you shouldn't handle the snake for a couple days after feeding them because they may regurgitate their meal. Do you leave them in the empty tank for a couple days or just wait for the snake to have swallowed the whole animal? If you do feed your snake like this, I'd love to hear your routine.
Thanks!

I feed my larger snakes in 6 quart rubbermade plastic shoe boxes.
I just place the food in the box then place the snake in with it.
It usually doesn't take long for the snakes to find their food. If I feed more then one food item, I just place the second item in the box when the snake is done with the first.
After the snakes have eaten I just take them out of the feeder box and put them back into their own container.
With my hatchlings I use those small Glad throw away containers. They are about 5 or 6 inches square. I just drilled holes in them for air and they work great.
As far as handling the snake. If you handle it daily it will not be overly stressed when you transfer it from the feeder container to it's own container.
As far as waiting 48 hours, I don't personally beleive that is needed. I will usually give them about 24 hours before handling for more then a few minutes.
I like to check on them every evening to clean out any waste, replace their water and check for any regurges..etc.
Just watch for the bulge just above the vent. If you see this watch out! you may end up with a mess in your hands...LOL
I wouldn't want a bunch of kids or people handling them after eating but you can if you are carefull and watch the reactions of your snake.
sorry to ramble
just MY thoughts on the subject.
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Jimmy (draybar)

Thanks for the info, I think that is what I am going to start doing. I took him out last night for the first time since he ate and he was fine.
I wouldn't want to have other people handle him after eating, but I was concerned about tranfering him back and forth between the two tanks.
Thanks for the help