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Feed in cage, or out?

Energi2er

Energi2er

New member
Ive been told to feed my snake in a seperate container. But I want to just drop the pinky in his cage and watch him eat, (never seen a snake eat). Is it dangerous to do this? They say you dont want the snake to associate your hand with food, but I take the snake out all the time and it knows my hand and comes right to me usually and doesnt bite at all. Maybe I could take him out then put the pinky in his cage when he is not there, then put him back in so he can eat, would this be better? Is there anyone that feeds thier snake inside its cage? please let me know how you do it and if it has ever bitten.

Im using Frozen/Thawed prey, Aspen or substrate.
 
The reason for feeding outside the cage is so they don't eat the substraight.

I used to put the food item on a paper plate and feed them in the viv, but then one of them decided to drag the food off of the plate and aspen was stuck all over it. It was fun trying to get it off while the snake kept yanking its head away :rolleyes: .
 
M-B is right. The debate over whether or not snakes associate your hand with food is overrated as far as I am concerned. If you are handling the snake enough, it won't matter. However, aspen can cause an impaction if the snake eats it along with the food.
 
A simple solution is to find a clear container with a lid. Any Tupperware or butter tub will do the trick. Safe and visible. :)
 
Do whatever way works best for you. Theres a possibility of snakes associating your had as food in the cage when you feed in it, but theres also the same possibility of the snake thinking that every time it is taken out its going to be fed too. Feeding in a seperate container also has the stress of handling right after a meal, and before a meal when the snake smells the food and knows its going to eat. Feeding in the container has the risk of substate injestion, but there are ways around that, like feedng on a plate or napkin, or simply watching and picking off any substrate that might be stuck to the food item.
 
The only substrate thats safe to use and wont be injested is paper towels or newspaper. Aspen is a soft wood, and it usually doesnt cause a problem is tiny pieces are injested here or there, but its something you want to pick off the food if at all possible.
 
It really is best for the well being of your pet to feed in a separate container. It is strictly to prevent ingestion of foreign materials and doesn't have anything to do with stress of handling or associating your hand with food.
 
Another good reason to feed in a diffrent container is,with my snakes anyways, it helps the problem feeders know when it's time to eat. I personally think feeding inside the viv could confuse the snake as to weather you were taking it out to be handled, or putting food in which may cause more frequent strikes from the snake. But all snakes are diffrent, and everyone has their system. As long as your snake is eating and is healthy and isn't digesting its substrate in dangerous levels you should be fine :)
 
Energi2er said:
Is there a better substrait that the snake cant ingest? Like fish tank rocks or something?
Click to expand...

That would be a bad idea. Can you imagine having to try and clean that after the snake goes to the bathroom? Liquids would seep through the rocks and get caught in little pockets and create a haven for bacteria. And then of course you'd have to periodically remove all of it and rinse it down, then lay it out and wait for it to dry, and...

No thanks, give me aspen instead. :)
 
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