How should I handle a snake that just ate?

[MilesHerp]

Now I know not to handle snakes that just ate for the heck of it because they can barf the food back up. What I want to know is if there is a way or method for handling a snake that just ate. I feed my cornsnakes in tubs because they are timid eaters and I don't want to disturb the snake as I put it back inside the cage. The tubs are too big so what do you think I should do?\
Thanks!

 

[pcircle85]

Just be gentle when picking up and transferring them and handle them as little as possible.

 

[HoosierHerper]

When moving them from the feeding tub back to their enclosure just be gentle, and make sure you support the lump from the food....just set them down in their enclosure, don't drop them, and they'll be just fine.

 

[MilesHerp]

Thanks! Super Helpful!

 

[1TimeMoM]

Also becareful.. make sure to leave them in there for a bit because even after they eat they tend to still be in feeding mode and or may be defensive being they just ate they feel vulnerable and may try to bite out of defense.. but I agree with others just be gentle an be sure to support them well.. and it should be all good..

 

[Snakes Incorporated]

Try not upset or stress the animal because this will lead to regurgitating its stomach condenses.

 

[cornonthecobsnake]

yea i just had personal experience with this. I tried to grab my corn after it ate and she struck me a little. Its all good though. I was wondering, is it easy for a snake to regurge after eating when putting it from the feeding bin into the cage? I know you are supposed to be gentle, but somtimes its hard to get a hold of them. In other words: would you actually need to try and distress the snake for it to regurge. or is it easy for them to (and they tend to do it even if your mostly gentle?)

 

[Snakes Incorporated]

The main reason for the animal to regurgitate is stress related. Snakes generally take some time to get accustomed to being handled by humans but generally the rule is not to attempt handling for at least two to three days after a good meal.
In the wild I’ve seen snakes do the same so making it easier for them to get safely away rather than be hinder by a “swollen” belly.
Even after sufficient time has elapse the animals stress may allow it to drop its stomach content via the other end route.

 

[medusacoils]

When I feed separately, I just slowly pour the snake from the feeding tub, back into it's tub. Most of the time they just slither with gravity. So far so good!

Wayne

 

[Dreamsnake]

When I feed separately, I just slowly pour the snake from the feeding tub, back into it's tub. Most of the time they just slither with gravity. So far so good!

Wayne

Same here.
I let her sit and relax for a bit first, then I slip her into her home and watch her settle in because she is gone from sight for two days.

 

[bitsy]

I tend to go with the tip-and-slide technique as well. As long as you're gentle and they slide onto the tank floor rather than landing from a height, they should be fine.

Mind you, I do get the odd dimwit who decides that the feeding tank is the safest place to be (usually after having created merry heck about going in there in the first place!) and has to be pretty much prised out of it...

 

[PrincessPurple]

Please could someone explain why feeding in a seperate tub is necessary? I have been feeding my amel with tongs, in his breeder viv since I got him as a hatchling with no problems.

Is it just because of the mess after he's done digesting? I can't see how the extra handling and risk of regurgitation could outweight any benefits...

I'm still rather new to this (~1 year), so would be grateful if someone could enlighten me?

 

[bitsy]

There are pros and cons to each technique - neither is absolutely right or wrong.

I prefer to feed in a separate tank because I have a bark substrate. Some of mine are quite active when they eat and I'm concened about them accidentally getting bark stuck to the mouse and then swallowing it. Some people feed perfectly happily in tanks with substrate and don't have a problem, but I just prefer not to risk it.

Feeding in a separate tank also allows me to have a good dig round in the home tank, to check for "stealth poop". Mine just love to go behind/under hides or in remote corners, where it may not be immediately obvious during routine spot cleans while the snakes are in the tank.

For what it's worth, I've never had a regurge that I could attribute to sliding them back into their main tank after feeding.

 

[Snakes Incorporated]

Please could someone explain why feeding in a seperate tub is necessary?

PrincessPurple in my opinion if you are happy with your method and it works don’t worry. If your animals cohabitate it would be a wise to separate for the feeding process.
There are opinions that stress that it may be better to feed snakes in a different enclosure so the animal does not become accustomed to being fed when you open the viv. It’s merely an opinion and not any set rule.

 

[JemmaUK]

Dont do it more than you have to - and be sure to wait until the snake is finished getting food into its tummy (when the snake stops squeezing & the lump stops moving).

wait and then very very gently either lift or entice the animal back into the vivarium if that is possible.

 

[Naagas]

@PrincessPurple: If you use bark/aspen substrate, there is a risk that the substrate will stick to the mouse and be eaten- which can end up being fatal to the snake.
Some people simple put the mouse on a paper towel in the tank to fix the problem, and some people feed in a separate container.

I feed in separate containers because I use feeding time to clean out the tanks: put snake in feeding container, give it mouse, wipe down tank, change water, tip snake back into its tank.

I think it is less stressful to get the snakes out of their enclosures while I am cleaning them, so I've just rolled it into feeding time.

I don't consider regurge a risk unless you are doing more handling than just putting it back into its tank.

 

[Snakes Incorporated]

...If you use bark/aspen substrate, there is a risk that the substrate will stick to the mouse and be eaten- which can end up being fatal to the snake. ...

Naagas sorry to disagree with you 'a little'. The consumption of any foreign matter or substances should be avoided yes. Only stones and (fish tank) gravel should be considered as a potential health risk as it is not always easy passed.

 

[Naagas]

SnakesInc: You are right.
Aspen is favored for the fact that it is not easy for your snake to get a big mouthful of it and die from impaction. That is one reason why aspen is such a widely-used and well-loved substrate.

IF your snake is healthy and at the right temperatures, eating aspen shouldn't cause you much worry.

It doesn't change the fact that there is a risk that any ingested substrate will cause impaction. (according to Registered Veterinary Technician, Adrienne Kruzer)

Another reason why it is bad for your snake to ingest aspen is the danger of mouth rot, caused by aspen getting stuck in the mouth. Again, it is much more rare when using aspen as opposed to other mulch-type substrates, but WHY TAKE THE CHANCE?

 

[Snakes Incorporated]

Now I know not to handle snakes that just ate

Easy answer. As little as possible to not at all.