The Research Continues, but I'm getting close :)

MajorLunitik · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 10:31 PM

So far, with all of the information you have given me, plus the three books I have bought and am in the process of reading (yes, all of them), I AM FINALLY GETTING CLOSE TO GETTING MY RTB!!

I am going to buy all of the needed supplies, set it all up and test the temps/humidity for a couple of days before I bring my new buddy home. However, I am getting mixed information regarding feeding my boa in his cage. I have heard both definitely "yes" and definitely "no." Should I or shouldn't I have a separate enclosure to feed him?

HELP!!

FYI, I want my boa to be mellow, and he will be handled often, if that helps.

_________________
Major Lunitik

"I like cake." [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

shaolinzero · #2 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 10:42 PM

im a newbie myself. i just got my first RTB about 7 months ago. however in that time ive noticed very positive effects from feeding in a seperate feed box. my baby has never shown the smallest signs of aggression or feeding response. i have absolutely no worries reaching into the cage and just picking her up. its a different story when she goes into the feed box though. she knows immediately when shes put in there that its feeding time and exhibits the body language to prove it. theres many advantages in my opinion to feed in a seperate container, i really dont know why anyone would want to feed in the cage unless dealing with a really large snake. hope this helps.
[addsig]

Eric From Cincinnati · #3 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 10:44 PM

I'd say definately feed in a DIFFERENT cage. I have a feeding tote for mine...big 50 gallon rubbermaid thing with wheels and a lid that locks down. 8.95 at wal mart. I don't know of any reasons why you would feed in the cage. There are several reasons to feed outside in a different container.

1.The boa may begin to associate his cage being opened with eating time and bite at anything that comes in because he thinks it's food.
2.There is no chance of subtrate being ingested in another container. I use cypress mulch as sub in mine because it cleans up easy, holds humidity and just looks good as long as it's clean.
(Buy a box of rubber gloves for 3 bucks and grab the poo...turn the glove inside out and throw it away and yer done.) If you feed in the cage there is chance for your boa to ingest wood, or whatever.
3.My boa needs to soak every now and then. I can use his feed tote to soak him in. I just put it in the shower and fill it up, then close the lid.

I guess that's it but I can't come up with any pros for feeding in cage as opposed to feeding out of it.

Eric
[addsig]

XzyluM · #4 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 10:45 PM

I would like to comment on you for researching as much as you could before obtaining your soon to be new buddy. It really helps. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_razz.gif[/img] As far as the feeding goes, there is two sides of the story. Some people feed their snakes inside their enclosures, while other prefer to feed this in a "feed tote." (rubbermaid/tubberware containers) I prefer to feed them in a seperate container. There are many reasons I do this. Some snakes often get used to being fed in their enclosures and this could result in a feeding response everytime the cage is open, since he thinks it's dinner time. There is risks involved as well. There are a people here that feed inside their enclosures and have yet to have any problems.
[addsig]

MajorLunitik · #5 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 11:16 PM

Thank you for the compliment on my research. I look at it this way, it is not fair to a beautiful animal like the RTB if his owner is ignorant to his care. After all, they are COMPLETELY dependent upon you for their survival, so you'd better know what you are doing [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Secondly, with all of the response I am getting in favor of feeding in a separate container, it makes more sense!! Thanks for the advice, looks like my buddy will be getting a separate "chow down" container.

Is it difficult to get him out of the feeding box after he eats? I mean, will he be more inclined to strike while in the feeding box even after a meal?
[addsig]

Boa_Breeder · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2002, 11:38 PM

If you are wanting a mellow Boa MOST DEFFINATLEY feed in another tank.. You can get rubber maid tubes at wally world that work excelent... Feeding your snake in the tank can cause 2 serious problems, 1 it will think that every time you open his tank that it is feeding time, and if you not feeding and planning to get him out, guess what happens? yep WHAM he bites ya, and 2 the chance of ingesting some of the substrate is high and can cause impacting. so make it easy on him and you go to wally wourld and buy a feeder tub
[addsig]

storm · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 01:02 AM

Hey, Major - after you feed your RTB in a seperate container, give him some time to chill out after he eats. Shortly after he finishes the prey item, he'll mostly likely be moving around and "hunting" in there, looking for more food to show up. If you give him some time, he'll decide that nothing more is forthcoming and settle down. Then you should be able to get him back out without too much trouble. As always, though, respect the business end. If he looks aggressive when you open the enclosure, wait. If you leave the lid open, he'll likely try to climb out, and that makes for an excellent opportunity to lift him while he's stretched out and less apt to strike.
Also, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling the prey item - if you smell like food, your chances of being struck at go way up. Of course, with all the research you've been doing, i'm sure you already knew that. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img]
[addsig]

CheesenJamButty · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 01:15 AM

Feed in a separate container when possible. We made that mistake recently with a cali king. Life's a bit interesting opening the viv doors now <g>
We do appreciate tho that it's going to get tough when the rtbs/burm hit max length and you're trying to persuade them they really do want to return home afterwards , but we'll meet that when it comes. [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
[addsig]

SteveP · #9 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 01:49 AM

I've done both in the past, fed inside the cage and in a seperate containers with many different types of snakes...law of averages: much better to do it in the seperate container, with any species. And as Storm pointed out, give 'em a little while to chill...half hour, hour, more?...depends on the snake...they'll let ya know!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
[addsig]

Kim · #10 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 02:05 AM

I just want to reiterate what someone else has already commented on--your dedication. You have done amazing work before purchasing a reptile. It is so refreshing to see a newcomer take it so seriously and I have no doubt that any reptile in your care will be happy, healthy and safe because of your research, questions and your willingness to ask for and listen to advice.

As for feeding-- I agreed in an earlier posting that you should feed snakes outside the cage. I speak from experience, I fed my snakes in the cage for years because I did not know any better and did not listen. They were hard to handle. I, too made a with mistake with a Kingsnake and now he is difficult(I have also made the mistake of handling one snake and not washing before handling the Kingsnake-- OUCH!!--- but that's another story.... ) Feeding in another container is easier and safer. I always take the opportunity to overhaul cages when the snakes are in the feed bucket. And I also let them chill, then open the top and let them climb out partially, then take hold. I have never had a problem this way and have never been bitten this way. If only I knew this in the beginning!

I am very excited for you! I hope you will continue to post even after you obtain your pet and let us know how everything is going and how owning this snake has changed your life!
Kim
[addsig]

Needles · #11 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 02:50 AM

Im sure youve already heard this to death, but feed it in another container [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img] (a few times in the cage doesnt hurt, just dont make a habit of it, or your more than likely going to get bit)
[addsig]

Ed_r · #12 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 02:57 AM

Im really half and half on the feeding issue. Almost all my snakes I feed in the cage. I haven't had any problems. I don't like the idea of handling and moving a larger snake with a full belly from a fresh feed. I think that increases the chances of a regurge. Plus ive seen the slight temperature chance or change of environment take a picky feeder out of feed mode. Just something I've seen and mainly my oppinion. I have fed in seperate cages without a problem though.
[addsig]

Bryan · #13 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 03:55 AM

Where it is a good idea to feed outside the tank it is not always possible. When fisrt starting out it can be good, but when a collection reaches a certain point it is not practical. I feed in the cage and have never had a problem. The key is to open up the cage at more than just feeding time. I thing it is great all the research you are doing and you will have a happy and healthy boa because of it.

[addsig]

MajorLunitik · #14 (**permalink**) 08-31-2002, 05:19 PM

Once again, thank you all for the great feedback. Above all research, this website has proven to be the most reliable information bank!! I will most definitely follow your advice regarding feeding my buddy. Also, don't worry, I have plans to keep you all updated on my RTB's growth and development, and I'll most certainly post pictures [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
[addsig]

payeager · #15 (**permalink**) 09-02-2002, 09:44 AM

Feeding in a separate container does sound like the way to go.

Having said that...I have never fed in a separate container since my lil' one was a baby. I don't use any substrate on the floor of the cage (usually newspaper) and feed her about every 10-14 days. When she is not in a shedding stage or has just eaten, I handle her every day. I open the cage and she just starts heading out to me, tongue flicking all the time. Use to be, getting her to go back in the cage was the problem. Now that she has a shelf and a limb to climb around on, she tends to go back in the cage pretty easy.

Now when she's hungry, she reacts in a whole different way. She will stick her head out of her hide and sit there in a strike mode. She is ready! I drop the rat in front of her and she'll grab it, coil up on it and turn it around and swallow it. Then she looks for more. Have never had

Advertisement