| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| muppetlugs |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 13:31:19
hi guys,
I got my boy on Monday (my first, but probably not my last) after a lot of reading and research on my part and I thought I knew everything I had to prior to rearing a snake (I know, I'm an idiot). Obviously as time goes on, and we reach our milestones, I'll have more questions (can't wait until our first shed, but must admit, I'm terrified for my boy).
Obviously the wee guy has just come to his new forever home and so is adjusting to his new life outside the petshop. I'm following advice on here and not touching him until a week has passed and he's eaten but trust me, it's not easy! I have two questions though: Have seen conflicting opinions on both these points and wondering experienced owners would advise.
My first question is about his feeds: Would you guys recommend feeding him in his viv or putting him into a smaller box at mealtimes? His substrate is Aspen if this helps?
Next question is about putting something I own into his viv with him to spread my scent. Will this make it less stressful for him when I go to handle him next week?
Many thanks! |
| 13 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 06/03/2014 : 19:52:20
Although feeding in a viv or seperate rub is personal choice I would find out how he was fed prior to getting him and sticking to that until he's eating on a regular basis. Then you could choose which method you prefer.
While my snakes are hatchlings I always feed in a tub.
As adults most of mine feed in their vivs.
I've never had any problems.
I always suggest an item of worn clothing that holds your scent to put in the viv with a new snake. I think it gives them a reassurance that your scent isn't a threat and it's less stressful when you handle.
Again, always worked for me.
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| Kellog |
Posted - 06/03/2014 : 00:11:54
Think Cullen is a brilliant name for him Amanda  . What's been said is right regarding the feeding. It is down to personal choice, I don't feel there is much proof of snakes becoming 'viv defensive' and mistaking your hand for food, unless your hand smells of mouse of course  . I feed all of mine outside of their vivs. For me the reasoning is that I can weigh them before each feed, I can change their water and spot check their vivs while they're occupied eating and, most importantly  , you get much better opportunities for taking pics. Some snakes do prefer to eat in private so you may need to cover the RUB or whatever you feed him in if he doesn't take the food immediately.
I'm so glad you did your research and 'shopped around'. I'm not surprised at the bad advice you've heard. My local reptile shop is adamant that you don't need a stat  . I check anything I'm told on here.
I know it's frustrating waiting for this first week to be over, where you're giving him time to settle in, but it's definitely worth it and you seem like the sort who wants to do everything you can to give your snake the best start possible  .
Xxx
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| muppetlugs |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 23:38:54
Lol I didn't pick up on the Twilight link until after I had settled on Cullan... that's why I changed the spelling though :p. It's Gaelic. Means Handsome. Seemed to fit him well :)
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| LadySybil |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 23:29:29
quote:
Originally posted by Redware
It is personal choice but I never got the: quote:
another thing to consider with feeding in the viv is him getting confused with feeding time and you getting him out for a cuddle- it could end in you getting tagged because he thought you were feeding him when you were just getting him out.
argument myself, to me my snakes know that a hand in the viv never means food as it has never resulted in food. They only ever get it once they are in the Rub. Those who feed their snake in their viv by that argument are more likely to get tagged as a hand in the viv can mean food to their snake.
Thats a far more eloquent way of saying what I tried to.
Are you a twilight fan with the name Cullan?
Or is it for the gaelic meaning- cos that is better lol |
| muppetlugs |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 23:24:26
Ended up in Pets at Home a good distance from home lol. Some of the closer places I looked at, I just wasn't happy with. Luckily I had done my research or I could have come home with all sorts.. and loads of bad advice. Most places didn't recommend a Stat (I have one), one place tried to sell me a blue female and another, a carolina with retained shed on his tail. Its horrifying the conditions some of the guys were in.
Don't worry though. . I'm excellent at complaining :p
Very happy with the store I went to though. Gave me the same advice as I had read on here and spent the time checking Cullan over with me before we went home :) |
| Redware |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 23:18:11
I feed in Rubs too.
I think that it is better as there is no chance of bedding being ingested and causing impaction for the snake.
It is personal choice but I never got the: quote:
another thing to consider with feeding in the viv is him getting confused with feeding time and you getting him out for a cuddle- it could end in you getting tagged because he thought you were feeding him when you were just getting him out.
argument myself, to me my snakes know that a hand in the viv never means food as it has never resulted in food. They only ever get it once they are in the Rub. Those who feed their snake in their viv by that argument are more likely to get tagged as a hand in the viv can mean food to their snake.
I do understand the possible difference in stress levels though! As has been said it is personal pref. I like to weigh my snakes before each feed anyway so I need to get them out for that.
I never did the sock thing and haven't had problems but each to their own. I can't see it hurting!
Keep asking questions we are all happy to help  . |
| gmac |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 22:32:18
which shop did you go for in the end lol. |
| muppetlugs |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 20:49:32
Brilliant, thanks for the help guys. I'm gonna try feeding in a RUB... lets me weigh the boy and make sure he doesn't get any Aspen stuck at the same time (currently have no idea what he weighs so would be good to know)
I'm also going to try the sock trick. Can't hurt! |
| Razee |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 19:52:56
It's down to choice: if you feed in the Viv, the advantage is that the snake is in it's own home, therefore more comfortable, and you don't have to handle/stress the snake after feeding by putting it back in. Problem is that they can get lots of aspen stuck to the mouse - usually not a massive problem, especially in adults, but it could cause blockages, or, at worst, sharp bits could cause internal damage, especially with hatchlings.
By feeding in separate tub, you don't have any problems with snake eating bedding, and feeding tub can be easily cleaned - but it can stress a nervous snake, or ( if your snake is like my Seb ) you can get bitten when trying to move the snake back in the Viv, as the snake is still in feeding mode... :-)
I choose to feed mine in separate tubs, as, especially Baz, if fed in vivs, they always drag the mouse backwards through aspen and get it well covered, and I had a nasty incident when Seb got a sharp piece of aspen stuck in his mouth...
On the very rare occasion I have to feed in Viv, I tend to use kitchen roll tube, put the mouse in it, then make sure the snake has to go into tube to get the mouse. At least, when they pull back, there's a chance they will still be in the tube and eat there, rather then on aspen.
Hope this helps, don't worry about asking questions, I did exactly the same, spent ages reading up on care etc., thought I knew it all, then realised I knew nothing :-) I was even scared to pick Baz up :-)
Re scent - the sock trick can work well, just carry a clean sock on you, somewhere next to your skin, for a day, then pop it in the Viv. You might even be treated to an amazing dancing sock display, if the snakey tries to crawl through :-) |
| luna |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 15:45:33
I feed Dave in a seperate box but everyone is different and I never put anything in with him I just use to go fluff up his substrate ect but he's a beautiful natured little chap |
| SilverWings |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 14:43:36
I always feed in the viv, none of my guys have ever struck at me thinking I'm food when I'm getting them out, just make sure you don't smell like prey. The only time I've been bitten is was when I smelled a lot like food, and she struck and coiled. My own fault, I didn't wash my hands first. If you choose to feed in a rub there is no risk of swallowing substrate but the snake might refuse due to the strange surroundings.
You could carry a sock or something around then put it in the viv, people say it works but it didn't have any affect on my king snake o.O My corns babies all tamed down pretty quickly with regular handling :) |
| LadySybil |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 14:31:45
http://www.thecornsnake.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=27833
A really good thread on here. |
| LadySybil |
Posted - 05/03/2014 : 13:50:59
Im still a noob after getting Sybil just over a month ago but I can whole heartedly recommend carrying a sock or something small with you for a day or so and putting it in his viv, not only does it get your scent in there so he knows it but it gives him an extra hide as well. I cut a hole in the toe end of Sybils so she can use it to hide from one end of her faun to the other, sorta like an underground bridge lol.
As for feeding, its down to personal choice. If you are feeding in his viv I would advise to use a paper towel or something under the mouse to stop the aspen sticking to it and your corn eating it. If he swallows the aspen it could lead to future problems with him getting blocked up with it inside, another thing to consider with feeding in the viv is him getting confused with feeding time and you getting him out for a cuddle- it could end in you getting tagged because he thought you were feeding him when you were just getting him out. There are ways to try and alleviate that though, some say that by patting your corn on his head with the flat with your palm is a way to let him know its not feeding time.
Feeding in a RUB is easier in that you just need to get him out, put him in the RUB and let him at the mouse. It gives you a chance to give him a good once over, weigh him and extra cuddle time lol. To get him back in the viv without handling him after he has eaten you just take the RUB to the viv (with him inside of course) and let him make his way out of it himself and then watch him dart for his warm hide lol.
There are more experienced keepers on here and Im sure they will correct me if I missed or got anything wrong but its all really down to your preference and being informed of the pros/cons of doing things in different ways. |
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