Baby snake "substrate" question

**Andy_G** · 10-13-16, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Railrider1920

I always preferred to feed outside of the main enclosure, in a tub of some sort. That way the snakes get used to being picked up and taken out of the tank. Then feed them in a tub with no substrate. If you feed them in the main tank, they think that their going to get fed every time the top is opened. I don't know if that is correct, but that's what I remember anyhow.

That's not correct. Unless the ONLY thing you do every time you open the snake's cage is feed then this doesn't happen...and even then it's a stretch. One could easily flip that statement and say that if you use a separate feeding container, a snake will expect food every time it's handled so your chances of getting bit are higher...but that's not true either. It's easier for the owner and the snake to feed in it's own enclosure, but of course to each their own. Ingestion of substrate isn't a concern unless you are using large sharp jagged substrates or certain types of sand or if the snake is otherwise ill. It's also best to avoid offering prey that's soaking wet to minimize ingestion.

Railrider1920 · 11-01-16, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy_G

That's not correct. Unless the ONLY thing you do every time you open the snake's cage is feed then this doesn't happen...and even then it's a stretch. One could easily flip that statement and say that if you use a separate feeding container, a snake will expect food every time it's handled so your chances of getting bit are higher...but that's not true either. It's easier for the owner and the snake to feed in it's own enclosure, but of course to each their own. Ingestion of substrate isn't a concern unless you are using large sharp jagged substrates or certain types of sand or if the snake is otherwise ill. It's also best to avoid offering prey that's soaking wet to minimize ingestion.

Thanks for correcting me. I'd have gotten back to this sooner, but I had a few small explosions happen shortly after making this post. No, not literal explosions. Just things that put other things on hold, you know, life stuff.