BRB feeding question

Snakewitch · 12-05-12, 07:19 PM

Six weeks ago when i brought home my Brazilian Rainbow boa and fed her for the first time, i was spooked. I'm used to feeding my corn snake which is steady with no surprises and was not remotely prepared that Calissi would strike and roll when I held her in front of the pinky. Dumb, yes I know this now.

Since then, I learned that Calissi prefers to hold on to me when she ready to eat and she is a voracious striker .... And I'm still a bit spooked despite successful
weekly feedings. Tonight's feeding was different and it was the first time she did not eat. I also tried another pinky to no avail.

I've read enough postings here to know that it may be nothing to worry about yet. Her viv temps are in the normal ranges but i think she is close to shedding so my questions are this:
1. Could my behaviour be impacting her feeding?
2. What is the proper way to feed her? I tried leaving her in the feeding box with the pinky but she didn't touch it until I picked her up, reheated the pinky and held her while she strikes. Ugggg.

Your advise is appreciated. I'll try again tomorrow but honestly, I'm concerned it might be me.

rmfsnakes32 · 12-05-12, 10:54 PM

I would wait a week and try again to frequent feedings sessions will stress the snake out. Most likely is going into shed and its very common for them to refuse food during this time

**lady_bug87** · 12-05-12, 11:02 PM

Leave her in her regular enclosure heat the pink up, leave it in the tank on a plate and walk away..

This worked for my stubborn eaters and offer food no more frequent then once a week what is your set up like?

KORBIN5895 · 12-06-12, 05:14 AM

You hold her while dangling food in front of her? This seems like a really bad idea. A really Really bad idea.

I recommend leaving the snake in its enclosure and just dropping the prey in. You can dangle it if you want but that gets old when your collection grows.

**millertime89** · 12-06-12, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KORBIN5895

You hold her while dangling food in front of her? This seems like a really bad idea. A really Really bad idea.

I recommend leaving the snake in its enclosure and just dropping the prey in. You can dangle it if you want but that gets old when your collection grows.

This, get a pair of tongs to hold the food in front of her as well so you don't get bit. Snakes don't always get a perfect shot and you might end up with an hungry snake holding onto your finger/hand while trying to kill it. I'm a little surprised you haven't been bit yet from just getting the snake out while the smell of food is in the room.

Snakewitch · 12-06-12, 07:32 PM

Thanks for the advice. i was really lucky that i wasn't bitten the first time. Just to clarify, I don't dangle the food I front of her, but she prefers to coil around my arm and I move her to the pinky in the feeding box, then she strikes while still hanging on my arm. Not the best approach, I agree. I'll feed her next week with tongs and put her in the box - fingers crossed, she'll be hungry and this works!

Gungirl · 12-06-12, 07:45 PM

Don't put her in the box.. offer the prey in her cage. No reason to stress her out by moving her into a box.

Snakesitter · 12-07-12, 04:17 PM

You will know if she is entering shed by the color of her skin (duller than normal) and belly (it usually gets a pink tint).

If you feel you should use a dedicated feed box, put her in there first, before you introduce the prey. That way she'll be calmer, and easier to detach from your wrist. ;-)

I agree though feeding in her regular enclosure is better.

Either way, offer once a week, well-heated, preferably at dusk and dangled/danced using tongs.

Good luck!

Snakewitch · 12-07-12, 05:54 PM

Why is it better to feed her in her enclosure. Is it her species? I read its a no no because the snake might injest the substrate but that was research I did for corns; I assumed it was the same for brb's.

Oh yes, quick update - Calissi shed last night. All in one piece so at least I have the temps/humidity right!

Lankyrob · 12-07-12, 06:13 PM

I feed every snake i own in their vivs, much easier, much safer (not having to move a snake when thery are in feed moded) and much quicker.

Gungirl · 12-07-12, 06:46 PM

Feeding in the viv causes less stress to the animal. Less stress means that the animal will be more likely to eat and less likely to regurge. If you are worried about the snake eating the substraight you can place a plate or paper towel in the feeding area of the viv just prior to giving the snake its prey. If you house your snake with proper temps it eating a little substraight will not harm the animal.

Snakewitch · 12-07-12, 07:37 PM

Ok, makes sense, I'll give it a try, thanks.

KORBIN5895 · 12-07-12, 08:00 PM

What is your substrate? I have female boa that is blind and I have watched her eat mouth full of plantation soil without a problem.

Snakewitch · 12-07-12, 08:18 PM

The substrates are Fir bark for the BRB and aspen for the corn; is plantation soil better for the boa?

KORBIN5895 · 12-07-12, 09:42 PM

I prefer coco husk mixed with plantation soil myself. There are no sharp splinters in either of them. They also hold the humidity very well and it doesn't mold.