Feeding Tank?

[jabberwockn]

I'm a little confused on the whole feeding tank thing. I've read pros and cons of both. Initially, I think it would be more beneficial to just feed in the cage on paper towels(I've read this is good for awhile to check for mites..?), so I'm not handling it too much. But when I switch to aspen, to prevent impacting I should feed elsewhere.

However, I haven't found how that tank should be set up. Some things say it's basically a basic cage: heat, water, and hide on each side because you're leaving them unhandled for 48hrs. I've seen one video where it was a small sterlite box and they moved the snake right over by tipping it after feeding. So my question, is a feeding cage necessary? How should it be set up? Can I see pictures? Or can somebody better explain the feeding process with their snake?

 

[bird25]

I'm looking forward to seeing the answers to this post as I have the same questions!

 

[Nanci]

This is how I like to feed my snakes. I start the mice thawing in a bowl under barely-running hot water.

I dry the mouse and cut 3-5 shallow slits down its back with tiny scissors.

I place the mouse in the feeding bin.

I get the snake out, weigh it, and place it in the feeding bin. If the snake doesn't settle and eat within a couple minutes, tries to escape, or strikes at the lid (at me) I cover it up with a T-shirt or kitchen towel.

When the snake is done, I pick it up and place it back in its home and do not handle for 72 hours.

Feeding bins: (You want the snake to be somewhat crowded until it is an established, problem-free feeder)

 

[Nanci]

Snakes covered up for feeding. I only do this with snakes that won't eat uncovered.

 

[Nanci]

Bins lined up on the sofa, for adults!

 

[Nanci]

This is a brand new hatchling after his first meal ever.

 

[Nanci]

This is a five month old baby, still being fed in his deli cup.

 

[Nanci]

This baby is seven months old and ready to move up to a slightly larger feeding bin.

If in doubt, choose a smaller bin, not a larger bin.

 

[Nanci]

This is how I store frozen mice. Vacuum sealed, in plastic storage bin. I guess that frozen dinner is for scale??

 

[Nanci]

Cheap but effective vacuum sealer.

 

[Fatman608]

The way I feed is very similar to what Nanci does. The only real difference is I do not have a single feed container for each snake.

I take the snake out of the rack and place it in the feed tub with the mouse. Some I cover with a towel some I do not depends on the snake. At that time, I spot clean the tub or do a total clean job that depends on what the tub looks like. When the snake is done eating the snake goes back into its clean tub in the rack.

 

[jabberwockn]

That is ever so helpful! I was going to buy a 10g for feeding a hatchling! Thank you for taking the time to write it all out and provide pictures.

So I'll use small deli cups for feeding. Hadn't decided on a vacuum sealer yet, but if the ziploc one works, that's another issue resolved(I was looking at the VacSaver and MealSaver too). Do you use a soldering iron to make holes in the larger containers?

 

[Fatman608]

Do you use a soldering iron to make holes in the larger containers?

Yes, I did do that but really the snake is not in the feeding tub long enough to run out of air.

 

[Nanci]

You can use a soldering iron to make holes in the smaller sizes, but the Sterilite bins are not airtight so don't need them.

 

[Nanci]

I bought an expensive vacuum sealer first, and it was difficult to use and broke in less than a month. The only problem I've had with the Ziplock brand is the bags wear out after a LOT of resealings. The sealer itself is a couple years old and fine.

 

[Nanci]

Reasons to feed outside the viv:

Snake can't ingest substrate. Yes, even if it does, it probably won't die, but you'll be so worried it won't be worth it.

You can pick out poo and thoroughly clean the water bowl while the snake is out.

You will weigh and examine the snake on a regular basis.

If you have a large number of hatchlings that you aren't handling otherwise, this at least gives them minimal human contact and they learn that you handling them is a good thing, not a bad thing.

 

[jabberwockn]

I wasn't sure how fast they'd run out of air. It's good to know that I can use it if necessary though. I agree, about the worrying. It's not worth it, especially when it can be so easily avoided. Also, it was my plan to do cleanings when they were feeding. So I'm happy to read that I'm not thinking too far off the mark.

I actually thought the sealer would wear out before the bags. I'll take that into consideration and stock up a bit, just in case.

 

[Nanci]

I wouldn't put a snake in a container without holes. What if you get distracted and forget about it?

 

[Holly12]

I think I'm going to get better feeding bins and bins for keeping the mice in with the zip lock bags thanks for showing this Nanci gave me a idea.

 

[jabberwockn]

I have a soldering gun already, just wasn't sure how necessary it is, but you do raise a good point. It can't hurt to make the holes. I'm just trying to get things as together and stabilized for as long as I can before getting a snake. Sorry if the questions/comments seem stupid. The feeding stuff is the last area I'm working on...