Question about eating technique for BPs

Zelg · 11-12-13, 04:35 PM

So I'm a first time snake owner and I made a thread a while back about my new BP Goldie. All of this is still very new to me and things (habitat) were rough at first but now things have mellowed out and he/she had its first shed yesterday. It went fairly well I suppose, came off in two pieces instead of one.

Anyways, I'm off topic, my question is in regard to how snakes eat and swallow their food and whether or not it is the same for all BPs or if they all have their own quirks. Mine strikes very well, coils up very nicely as expected and then it begins to swallow the mouse. Once the mouse is pretty much all the way inside the snake with exception to the tail hanging out, Goldy lifts the front, 1/4 i'd say, of its body up into the air and kind of stands up. I'm assuming its to help ease the food down into its body.

There hasnt been any issues while eating (at least none apparent to me) but I just thought I'd throw this out there and ask if it was a normal eating technique.

And just a side question while I'm here: what is a good age to sex a BP? Mine is approximately 3 months old (so says the guy at the store) and was never sexed or at least never sexed by the store owner and he never inquired. I've looked at videos on youtube but its obviously not something I'd want to take lightly. I'm fine with not knowing the sex but if its relatively safe to do I'd like to. I've just heard mixed opinions on sexing. Some saying to wait until its older and some saying just a couple of months.

Thanks

Sharlynn93 · 11-12-13, 04:39 PM

my 2 corns and my garter do the same thing...my rainbow hasn't eaten yet, so i cant compare her...

Hurrok · 11-12-13, 05:00 PM

All my 10 ball pythons have lifted themselves during eating to help get the prey down, multiple times. However there are a select few that always do so it's normal and nothing to worry about

As for sexing, they can be sexed at any age. Breeders will sex their hatchings using the 'popping' method. Older snakes up to adulthood: you use the probing technique. Check on youtube for vids on how to do it. Ralph Davis has a few good vids on popping (HERE)

I'd recommend probing over popping if you are inexperienced or getting someone else to do it for you, such as a vet or a breeder that knows what they are doing.

Zelg · 11-12-13, 06:24 PM

Great. Thanks for the responses. Much Appreciate

MizCandice · 12-20-13, 11:33 AM

Totally normal.. do you see the waves of peristalsis as shes lifted, I oddly like to see that

I wouldn't try probing unless you are being taught by someone very experienced... but most reptile stores or breeders can and readily will do it for you at shows etc.. ( I heard of charging a nominal 2$ or something).