Tweet
I just got a 26" surinam red tail. I have had many other red tails, but this is my first surinam. I have always fed my snakes in their enclosures and have never had a problem. I was wondering if I should start feeding her in a seperate enclosure? and if so, what is the benefit of feeding in a seperate enclosure? I also was wondering about a bedding medium. I have used everything and everyone you ask recommends something different. any suggestions? thanks for the help.
-
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
I feed in a separate enclosure and the reason I do is so the snake will not ingest any substrate. That leads me into your second question... I use Cypress Mulch in my cages, it's cheap, easy to clean, and hold in the humidity very well.
(Some will say that feeding in a separate enclosure may also keep the snake from getting aggresive when you reach in the cage. The theory is that your snake will not always associate a hand coming in the cage with food if sometimes it gets picked up for handling and other times picked up to be put in a feed tub.) -
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
I use aspen in all my cages. I wouldn't use the mulch (gets wet and molds). Also some woods when they get wet they are toxic to you snake.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
thanks so much for the help. i think i'm going to try the aspen bedding for a while once i build my new enclosure.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
Aspen is great, I used orchid bark for a long time for my reps but than switched to aspen cause it looked better. I find that it is easy to clean up after the snake, and it doesnt smell when it gets wet. Just make sure you dont feed your snake on it!Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
how often can i wet the aspen bedding?Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
I use a rubbermade box like most people use for rack systems for feeding my red tail. I just lay down some newspaper or papertowels in it, let him eat and then put him back. The last few times Ive put the box inside his enclosure with the mouse in the box warmed up and he comes out, hops in and eats then goes back out.. its nice because you dont have to mess with him, temps stay nice and hes sure not to get anything in his mouth.
As for substrate I use ESU "Jungle Mix" on the bottom about an inch thick with a thin layer of Exoterra Reptibark.. this combo holds TONS of humidty, I spray the tank down maybe 2 times a week. Its very nice to look at also.. just remeber not to feed on
Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
NEVER! If you go and wet the substrate of your boas cage, then you are going to wind up with a snake that has scale rot and that can lead to further helath psroblems for the snake also possibly.how often can i wet the aspen bedding?
When you want/need to raise the humidity of the cage,,, just mist..do NOT wet the substrate at all. No matter what your using for substrate.
Those woods that you are refering to would be PINE and CEDAR. NEVER use either of them in/on/around your reptiles acging at all. The toxins released from them could kill your snake. AND they do NOT have to be wet in order to do that either.Also some woods when they get wet they are toxic to you snake.
Substrates that can be used with this snake are aspen, paper towels, newspaper, cypress mulch, orchid bark, coconut husk bedding, eco earth type beddings. I think that covers most of them that are/can be used for boas.
I also feed outside of the cage for reasons of not liking to deal with snakes that associate my hand in a cage with feeding time. AND YES I have had that happen previously too..UGH.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
so how do i go about using a seperate feeding container? should i put the snake in the seperate enclosure and then the prey, or prey then snake?Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
I usually do snake then prey, but it can be done either way, personal preference I guess.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
The eco earth type beding is great its all I use now .It's not expensive either
And , yes definently snake Then prey, it's much safer
just try it you'll get the hang of it very easilly.
later ,
DanComment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
alright, i tried the seperate feeding enclosure, and while Lucy did not feel the need to eat, i can't thank everyone enough for their help! ;D i have only had her for 10 days, so how long should i wait to try and feed her again? and did i try and feed her too soon without giving her enough time to get comfortable with her new home? ???Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
I would wait two to three weeks before feeding her, by then it should be no problem.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
As far as what to put in the box first? I put the prey then the snake.
Quote: snake then prey it's much safer.
I don't agree. What if you are going to put the prey in and you are not useing tongs and the snake strikes at you hand insted of the rat? I f you put the prey then the snake then the snake is going to smell the prey and goo for the prey and not your hand.
Justa my two cents.Comment
-
Re: SEPERATE FEEDING CAGE?
just rememeber to use tongs everytime
Comment
Comment