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LarkaDawg
Hatchling
442 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 07:54:39
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Hi there, I saw a topic recently about how someone's snake wouldn't feed in his viv. I have the opposite problem lol. My snake Pantalaimon is about two years old and roughly 2-3 foot long. He lives in a two foot viv with lots of decor. He is the nervous type and doesn't deal well with open spaces, large enclosures or any kind of stress, he has stopped eating in the past because his tub was too big for him.
I usually feed my snakes in small tubs outside their vivs, and put the tub back inside the viv with the top off when they finish. But whenever I put him in a tub and try to give him a mouse, all he can think about is escaping, even when left in a dark corner with it. Only works when he is under his hide inside his viv.
I do worry about him eating substrate, he is on aspen at the moment. And also I don't want him to think opening the viv means food, meaning I might get bitten. In the past I have given him the mouse and slipped some kitchen roll under his head quickly, doesn't always work.
Any advice on slowly building up his confidence to be able to focus on eating when in an external tub? I weigh and attempt to measure my snakes at feeding, so he comes out anyway, and I have to feed him last so he can settle down after the 'stress' of being weighed/handled. He is the sweetest little thing and I'd hate for him to go off food again, but any gradual methods of building confidence would be welcome |
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herriotfan
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
5853 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 08:30:50
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Have you tried putting his hide in the tub, the mouse in the hide and then cover with a thick towel to make it dark? |
Husband....Very Understanding!!! (Phil) Son & Daughter (Kevin & Carol) Granddaughter (Eva) 3.4.0 Cornsnakes Amel (Sidney) Caramel Stripe (Sultan) Amber (Cleo) Carolina (Phoebe) Anery Motley Stripe (Penny) Snow (Lily) Caramel (Holmes) 1.2.0 Royal Pythons(Peeps, Pandora & Pepsi) 1.0.0 Hognose (Hudson) 2.1.0 Dogs (Dillon, Alfie, Ellie) 0.1.0 Senegal Parrot (Peanut) 1.1.0 Bearded Dragons (Bonnie & Clyde) 1.0.0 Crested Geckos (Echo) 0.2.1 Hermanns Tortoises (Ebbie, Rosie & Twiglet) 0.1.0 Guinea Pig (Dolly-Pipsqueak) 0.1.9 Tarantulas (Poppy, Gypsy, Bumble, Insey Winsey, Sonic, Cookie, Raven, Fudge, Titch & Sox) ??? Foster animals Location: Near Saffron Walden, Essex
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Red123
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2030 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 09:10:18
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With regards to thinking the viv opening means food, they don't. I feed all my snakes in their vivs and have not had a problem with them associating the viv opening with feeding as long as you handle them inbetween feeds. Mine don't know whether I am opening the door to get them out, spot clean, refresh water or to feed. As regards to feeding in viv on substrate all I will say is I do. :) |
Corn Snake , 1.0.0 Amel (Stan), Royal Pythons 1.0.0 Normal (Nigel) 1.0.0 Albino (Tony) Boa Constrictor Imperator 0.1.0 (Agatha)Western Hognose 0.1.0 Normal (Stevie) 0.0.1 Schneider Skink (George) 1.0.0 Extreme Blonde Harlequin Crested Gecko (Bert) 4 GALS.
Tarantulas Red Rump (B. Vagans) Jo. Chaco Golden Knee (G. pulchripes) Charlie, Greenbottle Blue (C. cyaneopubescens) Gus, Honduran Curly Hair ( B. albopilosum) Titch, Mexican Fire Leg (B. boehmei), Salmon Pink Bird Eater(L. parahybana), Fort Hall Baboon (P. Lugardi) Blanche, Stout Leg Baboon (E. Pachypus) Graham, Chilean Rose (G. Rosea) Glen.
Border collie x (BoB), 2 Cats (Lucky & Dip), 17 Goldfish, and The Dubia Family |
Edited by - Red123 on 18/10/2012 16:24:26 |
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Jmodjamodj
Egg
United Kingdom
62 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 09:21:35
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Morning, my Frank will not eat in his tub but now only will take food from piece of kitchen roll inside his viv. I tried not to give in to this but do it most of the time now as he just will not eat it outside. He is about 6 months, has NEVER bitten or even tried to strike, he is calm, placid and most lovely, and I feel it is not confusing him to feed him in his viv. |
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eeji
The Morph Master
United Kingdom
4335 Posts |
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eeji
The Morph Master
United Kingdom
4335 Posts |
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LarkaDawg
Hatchling
442 Posts |
Posted - 18/10/2012 : 23:47:26
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Hi, thanks for the replies Unfortunately I worry a lot and substrate plus mouse doesn't make me feel good :s and his mice are usually wet from defrosting in warm water. He is about 3ft long and is 2yrs old. So yes he is past hatchie stage, and I guess they must be able to digest it seeing as they digest bones and fur etc. in regards to the striking/food response, I've never actually experienced it myself, but had heard rumours and advice stating against it. Thanks for the first hand knowledge. Your responses have made me feel better about feeding him in his viv, an I suppose it doesn't really matter |
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Thorne Walker
Yearling
Canada
642 Posts |
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Red123
Fully Grown Corn
United Kingdom
2030 Posts |
Posted - 19/10/2012 : 09:10:11
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Can you not defrost the mouse at room temp them warm it up either with a hairdryer or sit it ontop of a hot water bowl to warm up. It won't be wet then and less chance of substrate sticking to it. |
Corn Snake , 1.0.0 Amel (Stan), Royal Pythons 1.0.0 Normal (Nigel) 1.0.0 Albino (Tony) Boa Constrictor Imperator 0.1.0 (Agatha)Western Hognose 0.1.0 Normal (Stevie) 0.0.1 Schneider Skink (George) 1.0.0 Extreme Blonde Harlequin Crested Gecko (Bert) 4 GALS.
Tarantulas Red Rump (B. Vagans) Jo. Chaco Golden Knee (G. pulchripes) Charlie, Greenbottle Blue (C. cyaneopubescens) Gus, Honduran Curly Hair ( B. albopilosum) Titch, Mexican Fire Leg (B. boehmei), Salmon Pink Bird Eater(L. parahybana), Fort Hall Baboon (P. Lugardi) Blanche, Stout Leg Baboon (E. Pachypus) Graham, Chilean Rose (G. Rosea) Glen.
Border collie x (BoB), 2 Cats (Lucky & Dip), 17 Goldfish, and The Dubia Family |
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eeji
The Morph Master
United Kingdom
4335 Posts |
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