Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I find the following topics confusing in my mind and I am sure I am not alone. I am not saying that the facts ,methods or techniques listed are incorrect per se...just confusing, like:

1) People say not to keep the prey items (rats & mice) in the same room with the snakes because it desensitizes the snakes to the prey?

Don't snakes in the wild live in the holes and burrows, (either previously vacated or after being killed by said snake), of jerboa's and other prey items? These holes must be impregnated with the prey smell, but the snakes don't seem to become desensitized?

2) People say not to handle the rat/mouse before touching the snake 'cause you will get bitten.

While I am sure the snakes Jacobson's organ does pick up the rat/mouse smell on your hands, it seems to me that your average snake, just laying around minding it's own business does'nt really want to mess with a big old human, let alone eat you! Every time I've been biten, its been when I was stupid enough to stick my hand near the snake when it's feeding response had been triggered. It seems to me, it's at that moment, you are most likely to get bitten even if you have NO prey item smell on you at all.

3) People say feed frozen thawed in a seperate container and it makes the snake less aggressive and less likely to bite.

I really think this goes back to the previous statement. If you stick your hand near a snake that has its feed response fired up, your asking for a bite. I feed in a seperate container (most of the time) so the snake won't get a mouthfull of bedding. Also, people seem to be switching back to live, if they ever stopped in the first place.

4) People say "I'd rather put the snake in the freezer than stress it out by force feeding".

There are so many success stories of people who have had to force feed either babies or wild caught snakes to get them going, that it only makes good sense to me to try and save the animals life this way. I have done it successfully myself. Also, it must be REALLY stressful to freeze to death. Furthermore, if anyone ever finds me starving by the side of the road, please force feed me about 5 Big Mac's...don't worry about my stress level.

Thanks for reading,

Alan

I use rolled up newspaper to tap my snakes on the nose and they know its not feeding time,

I dont understand why people still by wild caught/imported ball pythons, you can buy a true uscb baby for about $20 more.

If I am starving I prefer pizza, just take off the cheese it stresses me out
thanks
tony butler

I think alot of it has to do with the different ways that people are housing their snakes. I think it has to do with the different ways that people are thinking about housing their snakes. I think it has to do with people thinking about the ways they are houseing their snakes and how that will affect feeding responce, breeding behavior, health of the snake, etc. As for snakes and rodents kept in the same room. I would think that the snakes feeding response might be stronger if they were kept seperate. I would think the snakes health might be better if they were kept seperate. I've fed my snakes in the tub, out of their enclosure and in their enclosure. I think it comes down to how people want to feed their snakes. It comes down to the situations the people are in. If you had 500 snakes, I don't think you'd want to feed each one in another tub or out of their enclosure. Same with housing. If you had one snake reason says that it would be prudent to keep that snake in either an extremely realistic natural hibitat enclosure or maybe not. If you had 500 snakes reason would say to keep them in the most efficient enclosures possible or maybe not. With all this said, reason to one person is madness to another. Just like common sense to one person is confusion to another. I would think that if you have the temperature, the humidity, etc. as the environment the snake comes from then your probably safe. Everything else boils down to what you want to do. I agree that there are several different mindsets as to the correct way of houseing and feeding ball pythons. I say read up on all the different ways people keep and feed their snakes and then make a choice for yourself. Of course one snake will feed differently than another so you'll most likely have to adjust to those differences. As for holding prey and then holding your snakes I would say try it and see what happens. I really don't suggest that. I would think reason and common sense would dictate this one. I think the one thing we can all agree on is that when you get bit by a snake, whatever the situation, its your fault or mistake not the snakes. Five Big Mac's on there way. Just some thoughts. Chris

IF you move half the balls (ok not half).....if you move them and touch them to move to a feeding cage.....they won't eat.....
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