Another feeding question, drop or dangle?

D Grade · 12-31-14, 11:20 PM

In regards to feeding F/T, is just dropping in or dangling a better method?

**Minkness** · 12-31-14, 11:34 PM

Depends on the snake. Some people just put it in the tank and let the snake find it. Mine gets a bit spooked if I just drop it, so I use tweezers to dangle and get a much better feeding response. However, dangling can also intimidate a timid eater.

I believe I remember you saying you were getting a king snake. From my understanding they have great feeding responses. I myself have a king as my first, and she has not disappointed me yet in her feeding. Even when in full blue and probably 'blind' from the eye caps, she was still a voracious eater! So, you should have a good response either way.

=)

toddnbecka · 01-01-15, 12:34 AM

If the feeding response is anything like my little Okeetee's drop or dangle won't matter, lol. The little bugger gets all excited when he/she smells a pinky. Seems to have actually calmed down a bit, though still enthusiastic, not quite as hyper when the 2nd one is offered. The first couple times I offered the 2nd pinky he/she got really wired, now it seems more like a happy routine. I started dangling with tail in tweezers to get the snake's attention, then dropped the pinky after it noticed/smelled/reacted. Now I just show it a pinky while I'm holding it, let it take it from my fingers, then put back in the cage after the 2nd one is swallowed.

D Grade · 01-01-15, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minkness

Depends on the snake. Some people just put it in the tank and let the snake find it. Mine gets a bit spooked if I just drop it, so I use tweezers to dangle and get a much better feeding response. However, dangling can also intimidate a timid eater.

I believe I remember you saying you were getting a king snake. From my understanding they have great feeding responses. I myself have a king as my first, and she has not disappointed me yet in her feeding. Even when in full blue and probably 'blind' from the eye caps, she was still a voracious eater! So, you should have a good response either way.

=)

Yeah were planning on picking up a yearling Cali King. Seems like Kings dont mind which way they go as long as it ends up in their gut, lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddnbecka

If the feeding response is anything like my little Okeetee's drop or dangle won't matter, lol. The little bugger gets all excited when he/she smells a pinky. Seems to have actually calmed down a bit, though still enthusiastic, not quite as hyper when the 2nd one is offered. The first couple times I offered the 2nd pinky he/she got really wired, now it seems more like a happy routine. I started dangling with tail in tweezers to get the snake's attention, then dropped the pinky after it noticed/smelled/reacted. Now I just show it a pinky while I'm holding it, let it take it from my fingers, then put back in the cage after the 2nd one is swallowed.

Never thought about feeding while handling. I think well try dangling at first and see how it goes.

shaunyboy · 01-01-15, 07:44 AM

after heating the prey,i use feeding tongs and make the prey jiggle about in front of my Carpets

cheers shaun

**EL Ziggy** · 01-01-15, 10:41 AM

I never handle my snakes during feeding. I feed them from tongs because I like to see them strike and sometimes constrict their prey. I've only done drop feeds a few times.

D Grade · 01-01-15, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaunyboy

after heating the prey,i use feeding tongs and make the prey jiggle about in front of my Carpets

cheers shaun

Quote:

Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I never handle my snakes during feeding. I feed them from tongs because I like to see them strike and sometimes constrict their prey. I've only done drop feeds a few times.

Yeah I think this is how were gonna do it, tongs and a dangle.

**Minkness** · 01-01-15, 04:16 PM

I need some tongs....right now all I have is tweezers lol.

Derek1 · 01-01-15, 04:25 PM

Cal - I get her out and put a mouse on her large hide and show it to her and she goes right after it.
Garter - He's still small and I'm feeding him pieces. He knows when a dish is coming there is food and goes right after it.
Hognose - Is currently off feed but she like to just come to her dish and quietly eat and go back underground lol

Lefitte · 01-01-15, 05:04 PM

For my Cal King, she prefers if pinkies dangle. She loses interest the second it stops moving so I have to keep wiggling it. I usually set it partially down or slightly against something so it's not wiggling too much, just slightly. She rarely takes it after it stops moving. I think that's probably why she's scared of fuzzies. Occasionally she strikes at my tongs, too especially if I drop the pinkie and go to pick it back up.

I get a much better feeding response when it's moving/dangling.

Flybit · 01-01-15, 07:00 PM

I always just dropped them in!

D Grade · 01-01-15, 07:14 PM

This really seems snake preference specific. I suppose well see soon what he/she will prefer.

Obsidian_Dragon · 01-02-15, 09:34 AM

Yup, it depends on the snake!

I dangle for my king, although he won't take it that way in shed. I put it on a paper towel and leave it, then. Despite his species, he's not really an enthusiastic eater. XD

Garter gets it left on a plate because he's still terrified of me, the goober. I even cover his enclosure with a blanket while he eats.