Ball Phython feeding

[JennS]

I have mentioned before I have a ball python. Last time I fed him he bit me for the first time ever. He is quite large (close to 5 feet) and of course really scared me because he did not let go for quite awhile. I did not know the tricks then about putting them under cold water to get them to release or spraying them with a water/vinegar solution.

Anyway, I have to feed him again...well should have already done it. But now I am scared. Does anyone have any tips on how I can feed him and not get bit? I know I need to wash up well after handling the rat and before handling him (skipped this step last time) and of course, feed him more often. But, other then that, he is hungry and just shed, so any ideas? I waited for him to shed because I heard they are more aggressive when they are about to shed.

I am sure once I feed him and it goes well I will be fine again, but I just want some pointers if there are any. Someone said large gardening gloves? I don't know...any help woudl be appreciated! Thanks!

[Jkelee]

OMG!!! Guess I'm not coming to your Chid house for any visitations!! Yikes!!! You must be crazy to want that monster in your home girl!! Especially after biting you!!!!

I'd be visiting Pet Smart, Pet Depot, Any Snake Reserve/Rescue and begging them to adopt him! Yikes!!!!

Plz be careful Jenn!!! 5' is nearly bigger, and is soooooo much STRONGER than you!! What would've you done if he started wrapping around When he was biting you girl??!!

Plz don't feed him again-ALONE!!

[Jadeco]

x.X oh my god.

Can you use tongs?

[Swamper]

can't you just throw the mieces at him?

[Becca]

Snakes are so cool! But that doesn't sound like a very cool experience you had. Was that your first time feeding him? I have no experience with snakes, but if I were you I would be doing some research on the internet on the best way to feed him. Are there any forums available for the snake lovers?

[caseydoll]

Hey Jenn! What is your current method of feeding him? I used to work at a pet shop for many years and we always had ball pythons. We always used to just toss the mice into the tank then just sit and wait for the snake to grab it. If the mouse/rat was in there too long we would fish him out before it had a chance to bite the snake. Usually we would put on an old thick glove to do this. I never did this but the owner of the shop would lightly bang the mouse against the tank to stun him a little. That way the snake has a easier time catching it. I know it sounds terrible but I know a lot of people that did this. Was your snake beginning to shed when you fed him? Did he have that film over his eyes yet? That's usually when I heard of bites occurring.

I love snakes but it kind of pains me to write about this as I have a pet rat. And his name is Mouse! I'm a weirdo but I love rats! But I worked at the pet shop far too long to be upset by snakes feeding habits!

[Swamper]

A pet rat?!?!? could've named him Ben or Big Ben...I guess people will love all kinds of creatures. I went to a nursery friday where they had a pet alligator in their pond.
And my wife complains about our cat????

[Gin]

I worked in a pet shop , no snakes . if I had to feed one a live animal after banging it's head I would of been in line at the unemployment office ..

[caseydoll]

I know what you mean Gin! The only thing that made me not quit is that I would always make someone else do it. Sometimes someone would feed the snake and not let me know. I would get upset when I would look down at the tank and see the mouse in there with it. The taranula used to bother me much more though.

Swamper, the reason I named him Mouse is that when he was a baby he looked just like a full grown mouse. He's tan and white and has these cute ears that stick out like dumbo.

[Gin]

lolol speaking of tarantulas.. I paid my daughter to clean it's container just to hairy to have crawl up my arm . Gin