Question about juvenile royal python feeding

[Kaali]

Hi i am new in this wonderful forum and i am learning a lot of useful things about royal pythons but i have a question: since i'm going to buy in the near future a juvenile royal python which would be best to feed him, live or frozen-thawed? I am ok both live feeding and frozen-thawed, i just want to know if, for a juvenile royal python, it's best to start off with live or frozen, thank you

p.s. i used "Advanced Search" option to see if there were similar threads but i didn't find anything, anyways if this thread was previously discussed i apologise, i didn't mean to create an identical discussion.

[JodanOrNoDan]

I would try frozen/thawed first. Live is a last resort for me. Not because of any ethical dilemma but because hauling 50 live feeders around in my car is not my idea of fun. It is much simpler to keep a months worth of food in the freezer rather than having to go to the store every week. If you breed your own however it is probably more efficient to feed live. You just have to make sure the snake is safe from the live feeder.

[redshepherd]

They are the same in terms of nutrition, if that's what you're wondering. It just depends on if your snake will EAT frozen thawed. Some ball pythons can be very picky.

Just try frozen-thawed first and see how he takes to it. Personally, live rodents is a last resort, if you get a picky eater.

[Kaali]

Thank you, guys! I will start with frozen-thawed and if my scaly friend is a really picky eater i will try live. For now i am not planning to breed him, since this will be my first experience with this amazing animal, thank you again

[chrid16371]

It will be easier to buy a python that is already eating frozen/thawed rather than one that is eating live and trying to switch to frozen. Just ask the breeder or pet store first what its eating.

[Kaali]

You are right, thank you!

[Hammertime1977]

I've always thought starting with fresh kill was the best way to go. Especially with a new Royal/Ball.

If it refuses the meal, you just freeze it and try again later as frozen thaw.

If you fail feeding (which you will at some point) frozen thaw, you pretty much throw it out and start over.

But I'm no expert...

[Kaali]

Don't worry, i really appreciate your advice!