I had no idea this was a debate. I actually stopped checking on this thread, because when it comes to feeding, it's all based on preference and nothing more. If it works for you, then it works for you, but that doesn't mean that it's going to work for me. Nor does it mean that your way is the RIGHT way. We as keepers, do a lot of things that aren't based on fact, but do them based on personal experience.
Nope.com. There is no evidence of this. Feeding out of the cage is one of those things that "makes sense to people." I am convinced it is 99% Internet information regurgitation. You read it, you try it, you start doing it, you tell others it cuts down on biting, when there is no evidence that it does!
Again, this makes sense, but isn't supported by evidence.
What evidence do you have? The only thing we all have regarding this, is our own experiences!
A bit of anthropomorphism, but snakes are capable of some general Pavlovian conditioning. They will understand when feeding time is any time there is the fresh smell of rodent, too!
All animals are subject to conditioning. If I were to shake a pinkie in front of my snake, while it was in it's viv. Yes, it would probably realize that it was feeding time. But, when I place that same snake in it feeding bin, it realizes it's feeding instantly. The snakes associate the bin with feeding, just like a cat does a can opener or a dog when it hears the bag rustle.
You'll both also know it's coming when fed in the cage -it's coming when the mouse is dropped in!
But what happens the time, when you aren't dropping the mouse in, but snakey thinks you are?
Now that we can all agree on! I don't mean to pick on you, Wayne,
yeah you do!
just strongly disagree with this remove from cage to feed business.
Why Strongly? It's just feeding snakes!
It doesn't "hurt" anything, IF it works for your animals, but there is no evidence that it helps!!
And, there isn't evidence that it hurts. Just speculation
Here are some times it can hurt: the nervous snake that is less likely to eat when moved,
All snakes are nervous at first. That's why you practice repetition. Think of it as a type of training. Eventually, they will get used to it.
the strong feeder who wants to eat anything and everything once in feeding mode (God help the person who tries to feed my Womas out of cage),
This is when a feeding bin comes in handy. I have several snakes that are like this. They have been conditioned to realize that feeding time, only happens in their feeding bin. They have ZERO association with the contrary!
keeping the bins warm for feeding/pre-digestion,
How cold do you keep your house? My home is a comfortable temperature and I don't see my snakes living on top of their heating pads? I don't understand this point? When I feed my snakes, I don't keep them in the tub for a long period of time, so what does this point mean?
cross-contamination of bins (or are you going to have one for each snake?),
Nope.com, but I got the cleaning and rinsing bottle ready!
and increased chance of escapes.
Common sense dictates that you keep an eye on your snake and put a lid on it!
And when you have a large collection, it's simply not practical.
I agree and now that my collection is getting larger, I am finding it a bit difficult. But, so is the cleaning, watering and everything else assiciated with a large collection. Feeding time is the time that I take care of everything from cleaning to changing to checking.
I'm not telling anybody to stop here, just pointing out that there are some potential calculated downsides and the upside is a hypothesis.
I think that you are missing that there are potential up sides and down sides to both methods. And the whole thing is a hypothesis. Nothing is based on fact.
Like ya said, feed however you feel comfortable!:cheers:
I knew we would agree on something!
Wayne
