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Best Reptile Feeding Tongs for 2022

Most reptiles need a diet that involves insects. Some of the time, these need to be alive. The thought of holding one of these in your fingers is likely unappealing, as is putting your fingers near your hungry pet.

Therefore, a pair of reptile tongs could really come in handy. Whether you’re concerned about getting the prey into the tank or are wanting to feed your pet directly, the right pair of tongs is out there.

When choosing a pair, you need to think about length, material and how easy they are to use. For live insects which are quite skittish, some sort of scoop may even be preferable.

Any pets which pounce may require you to use long tongs to prevent injury. You also need to think about the insects you feed to your pet, and how easy they are to pick up.

Below are some of the best reptile feeding tongs available.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Best Overall
    Exo Terra Tongs
    Best Overall
    • Rubber tips for extra gentle process
    • Metal is strong
    		 Check Price
    Best Sustainable
    Exo Terra Bamboo Feeding Tweezers
    Best Sustainable
    • Flexible material so it is easier to work with
    • Sustainable material
    		 Check Price
    Best For Length
    EvaGO 15 inch Black Straight Aquarium Tweezers
    Best For Length
    • Good secure hold
    • Strong and anti-rust
    		 Check Price

    The Top Reptile Feeding Tongs Reviewed

    Best Overall

    1.
    Exo Terra Tongs

    Exo Terra Tongs

    These tongs are high quality and strong, ready to pick anything up with the pincers.

    The soft coated tips will prevent injury to your reptile’s mouth if you feed them directly, and will be gentler on the insect too. With a longer length, less stress is placed on your pet too.

    They give a good grip to the likes of crickets and locusts, and the metal means the tweezers are sturdy so won’t be snapped in the process.

    Features

    • Rubber tips for extra gentle process
    • Metal is strong

    Specifications

    • Length: 2.54cm
    • Material: Stainless Steel
    Best Sustainable

    2.
    Exo Terra Bamboo Feeding Tweezers

    Exo Terra Bamboo Feeding Tweezers

    These are the tweezer tongs of choice for anyone after something which uses recycled products and is sustainable.

    The soft bamboo material also helps to prevent any mouth injuries which can be caused by the likes of sharp metal corners. They’re quite long but easy to control thanks to the less strict, firm material.

    The length also makes them good for reaching into larger terrariums and moving things around, such as plants or ornaments.

    Features

    • Flexible material so it is easier to work with
    • Sustainable material

    Specifications

    • Length: 36.1cm
    • Material: Bamboo
    Best For Length

    3.
    EvaGO 15 inch Black Straight Aquarium Tweezers

    EvaGO 15 inch Black Straight Aquarium Tweezers

    These 15 inches (38cm) long feeding tweezers are actually marketed for aquariums, but hear us out.

    Not only do they provide a length that is great for snappy pets, but their ability to be used in water also means they’re great for more humid tanks and won’t go rusty when washed.

    The forged stainless steel with a carbonation protection coating keeps the tongs sturdy, so they’re easy to use and will remain in great quality for years. The tweezers are straight but the tips are serrated, so you can also pick up small items such as stones or plants if needs be.

    Features

    • Good secure hold
    • Strong and anti-rust

    Specifications

    • Length: 38cm
    • Material: Metal

    4.
    Zoo Med Plastic Feeding Tongs

    Zoo Med Plastic Feeding Tongs

    Plastic tweezers are perfect for lighter, easier control. They are also good if using in more humid environments or water as they won’t rust and can be dried easier.

    The plastic is surprisingly sturdy, and gives you a good grip without having to press too hard so is great if you find that other forms can occasionally crush the food, or if any kids who feed are a bit heavy-handed.

    Because they are plastic, they may not be ideal for directly feeding any animals who could get a bit rough and break the tongs but are perfect for distance feeding.

    Features

    • Lightweight so easier to squeeze
    • Simple to keep clean and hygienic

    Specifications

    • Length: 17.78cm
    • Material: Plastic

    5.
    MagiDeal Reptile Feeding Tong

    MagiDeal Reptile Feeding Tong

    Not to be confused with your BBQ salad tongs, but which work in a similar way.

    If you have crawler worms or any other insect food which are difficult to use tweezers on, or you need to grab a few at once, then they will be easier to scoop up and hold in these clamps.

    They are bite proof so good if your reptile often can’t wait to be fed, and easy to clean afterwards too. If you occasionally need to move your pet, they could also be a great alternative to personally handling them.

    They’re not the longest, so you will have to ensure you can get that close to your pet.

    Features

    • Secure handles for easier grip
    • Holes in clamp for airflow of food/pet

    Specifications

    • Length: 7.28cm
    • Material: Plastic

    Buying Guide

    How we chose the best reptile feeding tongs

    There are three broad variations of reptile feeding tong. Tweezers, forceps and clamps/grabbers are all available and best for different occasions.

    Tweezers will often be fine, and are usually the longest option if you need to keep your hands away from the tank. But they can be difficult to fully grip particular foods with, particularly if you can’t apply too much pressure on them or they’re large, which is where forceps can come in.

    Forceps often have broader tips, so are a bit less harsh when squeezed. Clamps are similar to forceps, except they have little bowls on the end so you can carry animals more gently. We tried to pick a variation and the best in each category.

    Tong length is important in order to not scare or spook your reptile. You want to make the feeding process as natural as possible, and prevent stress. The longer the tongs, the more ‘natural’ it may be for them and the less chance of sudden movements on your part. You won’t have to move your hand out of the way quickly, basically.

    Think about how deep your tank is, and whether you will have to gently place the insect or can just drop it in. Most people will need generously long tweezers, so they can at least position the insect before dropping.

    Most feeding tongs are generally made from plastic, metal or wood. The former can be quite fragile so best for slight insects which are easy to control, and for dropping food into the tank as opposed to feeding directly.

    Metal is good for direct feeding, especially for any animals which could bite the tongs. Wood is the most sustainable but there can be issues with cleaning, although the softer more pliable material makes it easier for the human to control.

    While most of the decisions on which tongs to buy are in your hands, all of the feeding tongs we chose are safe and easy to use and also have great ratings from fellow reptile owners.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Why should I use tongs instead of my fingers to feed reptiles?

    First of all – holding a cricket, locust, dead mouse or beetle in your fingers is not pleasant, especially if it is a particularly frisky insect when feeding. If they were to be dropped it could cause all kinds of problems within your home.

    Then there is the fact that depending on your animal, they may strike and go for the prey before you have safely removed your hand. This can particularly be the case with snakes and other reptiles who ‘pounce’ on their prey and any who are aggressive.

    Some animals may need feeding directly as opposed to letting the food remain in the tank to be hunted so putting your fingers close is not ideal. Bearded dragons are just one of the reptiles who may need to be hand-fed as they aren’t naturally hunters.

    Using tongs is also cleaner than your fingers, so it is less likely you will pass on germs or pick any up.

    What else can tongs be used for?

    You may need to occasionally adjust things and put extras such as plants and small rocks into your reptile’s tank.

    You may also need to handle hatchlings and remove them from the tank so you can check them over, or to avoid any fighting. Forceps are best for this.

    Just as with feeding, tongs can ensure you keep your fingers out of the way and be a bit more gentle in terms of movement.

    Help and Resources

    How To Look After Your Live Reptile Food
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