Feeding a Ball Python without Tongs? Good idea?

[nybaby]

Hi!

I have a baby male Ball Python. I only had him for two weeks. He's been a good eater so far. The first week I didn't want to stress him out so I just let him eat in his enclosure. I didn't have tongs either so I threw the frozen-thawed pinkie mouse in the cage just to see if he would eat it until I could get to the store to buy tongs. To my surprise he did. This week's feeding, which was his second since I got him, I did the right way. I pick him up, placed him in a separate container, and picked up the pinkie mouse with tongs, and he striked real well. I had no problem at all.

I was wondering though, should I continue to use tongs or should I sorta just throw it in the container like I did the first time? I known all the books and videos show using the tongs method but I don't him to get the idea that he should strike anything that hovers over his head especially when it could be my fingers when I go into his enclosure to change his water.

Has anyone done this before? Do you think I should continue feeding him with tongs? Will using the tongs encourage him to strike at people?

[Gungirl]

A few things.. No need to feed outside of his enclosure that just adds stress. I feed all my snakes with tongs and I think it is safer. A baby ball need much larger prey than a pinky mouse. You can go to at least a rat hopper if not larger. Feed the snake food the same size or slightly larger than its widest part.

[rmfsnakes32]

I agree feed him in his enclosure and make sure to handle him in between feedings so he wont associate just getting food when you open it

[jarich]

Yes, as the others have said, no need to feed it outside its normal enclosure. They dont really like to be handled after feeding, so moving it to feed it adds the possibility of stressing it out and can cause them to regurgitate their meal.

I dont think there is any necessity to feeding with tongs either. Some people need to use tongs because their snakes wont take prey that isnt 'dancing' around and moving like live prey would. However, if your snake is taking the prey off the ground without it having to look like a live animal, then thats great. It makes it easier for you.

Since you just got the snake a couple weeks ago, Id wait a little while longer before handling it. Give him about a month or so to get used to his new surroundings and feel more secure.

I see you are in NY. Are you in the city?

[Slcburm]

I feed all my snakes with tongs even my rosey boas when I first started to My retic and Burm I have now. And only when I first began snake keeping did I remove them from their cage to feed. Ever since I keep them in the cage to feed. I have never been but removing a snake to handle

[shaunyboy]

I agree feed him in his enclosure and make sure to handle him in between feedings so he wont associate just getting food when you open it

imo theres no need to handle for the reason stated mater

i feed all my carpets in their tanks,i only handle them when it's 100% neccesary...

none of my carpets bite when i open the door,take them out,etc

i think all the snakes getting bitey by associating,doors opening,being fed in the tank,out the tanks,etc are all myth

to the op
i use tongs to avoid the python,getting my hand/arm,etc,due to their heat signature

cheers shaun

[JustBitten]

I would recommend the tongs. My ball knows when it's feeding day and waits by his door. He was so excited last week that he struck out immediately, missed the rat and nearly got my stomach. The distance of the tongs saved me from an awkward bite. I mean, who gets it in the stomach? :P