Can I ask a question? When you clean out your snakes tanks, do you leave them in there? Do you spray whatever cleaner you use, right on them? Do you just, (just hypothetical and not insinuating), NOT clean their tanks?
I have a few spare identical bins for every rack, and a TON of extra water bowls. I set up a new clean bin, new clean water bowl, move the snake into that, then slide it into the rack. Then I take that dirty bin, and clean with a bleach solution, rinse, towel dry, add more newspaper or bedding, and move the next snake into that. And so on and so forth. I spot clean here and there, but replace each water dish at least once weekly. The cages themselves don't need sterilizing too often. I've had a much larger collection in the past, so never have to wash and replace water dishes as part of the routine due to over 100 extras. All the water bowls go into a 35 gallon trash can full of chlorine solution overnight, then are hand washed, then go into the store dishwasher and are used the next week.
I am asking, because this is the time that I do it. I can also, watch the snakes eat and check them over. I get their tubs all cleaned out, dishes washed, substrate changed and I check their hides.
I only feed once weekly, except for females nearing breeding season. If I feed on Sunday, I tend to spot clean on Wednesday or Thursday and take care of any cages that might need a whole cleaning. The snakes don't go back into the same bin they came out of, almost without exception.
I am willing to bet that you remove them and place them into a seperate container, to clean? But, is this more or less stressful than removing a snake, while feeding? I think not!
Nope, they go into a new container that is their new home for a week or three.
This is an opinion and not based on any fact. I have not had any problems with refusals or regurge. I have snakes that have all different kinds of feeding responses and all of them feed, successfully in a separate feeding bin.
It IS an opinion, but is indeed based on evidence. My black milks will NOT eat when put in a new bin. They are the only snakes not part of the snake room due to their lower temp requirements. I have tried to feed them while cleaning their cages, and with one exception, they simply will not feed and just cruise the cage. I have hognosed, ball pythons, and lepidus that are on the "hot rack" that I have tried this with as well. They are hit or miss but mostly miss with thawed in a feeding bin. I have no doubt most of my corns and kings would eat if I was holding them, but to call this opinion and not "based on any fact" is simply untrue. You could not care for my collection using your methods, I assure you.
And then find that mouse later on, partially decayed and stinking, because the snake refused to eat it.
I check every bin the morning after feeding. I've missed an uneaten mouse this way before, but it really is uncommon.
A new hatchling, is better off fed in their cup or tank. They feel safer and are less intimidated. I don't feel the same way about an established feeder. But, that is just MY opinion.
Wayne
Wayne
Wayne Wayne, I'll reiterate that I am not telling anyone NOT to feed outside of their enclosure. I am simply stating that it is unnecessary, and that there exist downsides. I like you as a poster here and I appreciate the debate! :cheers:
