General BP Behaviour - Page 4

Lankyrob · 09-24-11, 03:27 PM

If one of my guys misses a feed for any reason they wait til the next scheduled feed day, I have foung holding the prey by the scruff of its neck rather than the tail makes it easier to do the "dance" and also if you do flinch it more of a natural "prey jumping after getting hit" so less likely to rip it out of their grasp. Another good way is to not look directly at the prey or the snake (whilst keeping an eye on whats happening obviously) you are then less likely to react to the STRIKE and only react to the actual hit.

**Aaron_S** · 09-24-11, 05:16 PM

Also I'm not sure if 10 minutes is enough to thaw a mouse entirely. Even if the outside seems thawed you want to make sure the insides are too! I am not used to thawing mice so I could be off here.

Otherwise I think you should just feed her in her enclosure. It's easier and less of a hassle and the snake would prefer it more! Don't worry, she won't mistake you for prey when going in there.

mattchibi · 09-24-11, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Also I'm not sure if 10 minutes is enough to thaw a mouse entirely. Even if the outside seems thawed you want to make sure the insides are too! I am not used to thawing mice so I could be off here.

Otherwise I think you should just feed her in her enclosure. It's easier and less of a hassle and the snake would prefer it more! Don't worry, she won't mistake you for prey when going in there.

These hoppers were tiny. Also i had them in the fridge for 8 hours, they felt soft even as i took em out of the fridge. She went for it within 30 seconds.

But yeah, i plan on changing her substrate to coco husk plantation soil, and then ill try to feed her in her tank. I was told to get rat pups, and to find prey that is about 1.5 times her girth.. hopefully this works next time and she aims better!

**lady_bug87** · 09-25-11, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZARADOZIA

All of the above, you flinching, her bad aim, and prey being small; all plays a factor. And for the record, I have been dealing with snakes for 30 years and I still flinch. I use tongs to hold the food by the tail, I posted a vid of what I do and yes, yesterday I flinched the first time and messed poor Sasha up. That video I didn't post...lol

I have to make the food do the zombie dance for her otherwise she will not touch it. So I sit there dangling the mouse anywhere from 30 seconds to 2 minutes until she is ready. And then repeat 1 to 2 more times after she finishes swallowing the first one because she refuses to eat rats.

All in all it depends on the snake. Each one is different, so don't get discouraged.

I know I still flinch too! but my BP doesnt even give me the chance to do the 'zombie dance' he sees it and BOOM which makes me flinch and squeak lol

**millertime89** · 09-25-11, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady_bug87

I know I still flinch too! but my BP doesnt even give me the chance to do the 'zombie dance' he sees it and BOOM which makes me flinch and squeak lol

that must be entertaining to watch.

mattchibi · 09-26-11, 03:46 PM

Hey guys
So I know you said not to play / handle with a new snake until she has eaten a few times right ? Well its been 8 days since I got her, and I really want to just handle her ONCE, but I dont know if that is okay or not. I am going to try to feed again this Friday (rat pups this time)

I took her hide off twice, once this morning once yesterday night, with the intention of playing with her. But after seeing her curled up tight in a ball, I assumed she didnt want to play and I didnt want to disturb her or force her to play. She clearly already seems a little stressed, right? Do they ease up after time, and after being able to know they can feed regularly? Is it unadvisable to pick her up and handle her for 10 minutes even if she curls into a ball, or should I really wait until she seems more comfortable with it? (also, this would be the only time i handle her, until i can get her feeding normally. I just havent even really held her since buying her and all her setup, and its killing me! I want to get to know my snake already lol)

Gungirl · 09-26-11, 03:51 PM

Snakes will almost always want to be left alone. If it has been 48hrs from her last meal then yes I would say you can handle her for a few minutes in a quiet room with little action going on around her.

mattchibi · 09-26-11, 03:55 PM

She didnt eat for me last Friday.

Because of : 1) my flinching, 2) the extremely small mouse i was offering, 3) she striked and missed twice.

So the answer to if I can handle her would be a No right ? I dont really mind to be honest, i just want her to be feeding correctly and be happy. I dont NEED to handle her, and I understand that she would feel much more comfortable if I didnt handle her probably.

Lankyrob · 09-26-11, 04:03 PM

DOnt handle until it has eaten AT LEAST once, i know its hard but the snake will be with you for 20+ yrs so a few more days now is nothing!

Gungirl · 09-26-11, 05:15 PM

What Rob said ^

mattchibi · 09-26-11, 06:49 PM

Gotcha, thanks for the help

**lady_bug87** · 09-27-11, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by millertime89

that must be entertaining to watch.

my husband usually does the feeding, but yes I imagine it is!