Re: snake eating sideways

Posted by Fred Albury on June 27, 2001 at 17:42:48:

In Reply to: snake eating sideways posted by Tom Dickinson on June 27, 2001 at 08:50:43:

: Is it just my snake or does everybody elses snake eat sideways and backwards 95% of the time.I hear about the narrow jaws all of the time but my snake is 3 and a half ft. and eats med. size mice sideways constantly.When it does eat head first it only takes two seconds.Its seems like where ever she grabs it thats how shes eating it. she never trys to find the head.

Tom,

In their rush to subdue and swallow their prey, Indigos often grab the prey in the mid-body region and even the rear end. Which ultimately ends up forceing the snake to swallow the prey item either backwards or sideways, either of which is ineffecient and time consumeing. I would be curious to find out if Eastern Indigos in the wild do this, as it seems that natural selection would rule out those that spent excessive amounts of time consumeing their meals, if only because it leaves them open for predation.

Sincerely,
Fred

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: : Is it just my snake or does everybody elses snake eat sideways and backwards 95% of the time.I hear about the narrow jaws all of the time but my snake is 3 and a half ft. and eats med. size mice sideways constantly.When it does eat head first it only takes two seconds.Its seems like where ever she grabs it thats how shes eating it. she never trys to find the head. : Tom, : In their rush to subdue and swallow their prey, Indigos often grab the prey in the mid-body region and even the rear end. Which ultimately ends up forceing the snake to swallow the prey item either backwards or sideways, either of which is ineffecient and time consumeing. I would be curious to find out if Eastern Indigos in the wild do this, as it seems that natural selection would rule out those that spent excessive amounts of time consumeing their meals, if only because it leaves them open for predation. : Sincerely, : Fred

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Indigo Snake Forum ] [ FAQ ]

KINGSNAKE.COM Enjoy all our content free of charge with a user account that gives you full access to every feature. For added visibility, paid options are available - post in our Classifieds, showcase your business with Banner Ads or a Directory listing, promote reptile events, and more. Quick Links Home Advertise Classifieds Lost Password Your Account Community Journals Events Featured Articles Forums Photo Gallery Legal & Safety Terms of Service Classified TOS Age Verification Business Verification Vendor Complaint Support Banner Ad Help Classified Help Classified Tips Contact Us Forum Help Register for free ✓ Sign up! Kingsnake.com ® is a registered trademark © 1997-