Snake, feeding question?

Question

I am getting a snake and was wondering if you have to feed it in a separate container, so it does not digest one of the peaces of substrate. Then is it ok to pick it up to put it back in its cage from the other container.

Answer 1

you could do that but it doesn't matter unless you have a substance that is edible. also it doesn't make the snake cage aggressive. yes you could do it and it is always ok to pick him up just not too long.

Answer 2

Always feed in a seperate container, and if they are not wanting to eat, add a heating pad under the container or add a heat lamp. Keep an eye on the snake and its food, because if you are feeding live food, then there is a chance it can bite or scratch your pet. I would say leave the food in with your snake for 30-45 min, hour tops. if it doesnt eat, then try agian in another few days. I have worked for two pet stores and we never had any problems with handling the snakes after, as long as it is just to put it back in its home. Wait until the next day to pet/hold/drape your snake. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Feeding in a separate tank assures they won't eat substrate.  Most snakes accept this very well.  You can pick them up after the food has moved to the middle of the snake.  Just lift gently to place back in cage and leave alone for 48 hours.  Breeders with large numbers of snakes don't move them, but they keep them in very small tubs in rack systems and if 1 out of hundreds die it's not as if it was their one and only pet.  

Answer 4

i have two corn snake and i always feed them in their cages, and they never bite me.

As for substrate i think the best choice for me is paper towel.It's not esthetic but it's pretty easy to clean

Answer 5

at the pet store they will tell you to but we have a snake and they do not like to be messed with after they eat so we have never put into another tank just because if you mess with them the wrong way right after they eat they can reguratite thier food  

Answer 6

well this is something that's going to be up to you. I will sometimes feed my snakes in other tanks, and some times I will not. You don't HAVE to. Feeding a snake in the same tank they live in does not mean they will bite you if you put your hand in. It may increase the chances but even so, all i would do is use thongs or a plastic tube to touch the snake or block their head if they did try to bite me before picking them up. This is something I typically don't have to do anyway. Feeding them in a seperate enclosure can be good though and you don't have to worry about any substrate ingestion. After they are done, you gently put them back in their cage. Just do your research and it's really up to you.

Answer 7

ALWAYS feed snakes in a separate container.

If you feed it in its enclosure it will think that everything coming into its cage is food, even your hand.  

Answer 8

I agree with madsnakeman, in that you don't need to use a seperate enclosure for feeding. I had a Cal King for over 10 years, always fed her in her 55 gal aquarium, and she NEVER confused my hands for prey items. Now, the only time I did get bit was when I was putting some driftwood into her cage so she had something to climb on, and she tagged my pinky twice. It was totally my bad since I'd been at the pet store handling the cockatiels they had there and didn't wash my hands before messing with her cage.

In order to keep the possibility of confusion to a minimum, ALWAYS wash your hands both before handling prey items and after handling your snake.

Answer 9

Yes, always get a seperate feeding tank.  A cardboard box with paper towels works just as well.  This is good for two reasons.

1.  Your snake doesn't get used to food coming into his tank and then bites your hand.

2.  Eliminates the risk of ingested substrate

Now, when you pick him up, you may want to wear leather gloves most bites happen in this stage.  Pick him up from both sides of the lump from the bottom, then put him back in his tank.  If he squirms don't panic, just quickly get him home.  Also, leave him be for atleast 24 hours after feeding to prevent any digestive problems.

Answer 10

u should never move a snake after they eat. Feed it in the tank then simply clean up when  it defecates. If you properly socialize your  snake ( play with it a lot etc) it will not strike anything that comes into the tank, only food. They have a great sense of smell and they will know the difference.

best wishes

Answer 11

No, you do not have to feed in a separate enclosure. This is a beginner tactic, and no breeders or herpetologists bother moving the snake. I have close to 200 snakes and I am sure not going to move them for feeding. And I never get bitten either by a snake mistaking my hand for food. People who are getting bitten are practicing poor handling techniques. Plus, if your snake is a problem feeder, taking it out of its home where it feels comfortable and putting it in unfamiliar surroundings sure won't help.