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Afraid to feed live

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  • 05-16-2012, 10:09 AM
    renee2287
    Afraid to feed live
    Im afraid to feed live mice cause im afraid my snake will get bit. I got a couple prekilled in the freezer right now was told to offer her one now but if I unthaw it and she dont eat it and she dont eat it I dont wanna waste food like that.
  • 05-16-2012, 10:11 AM
    The Serpent Merchant
    you can refreeze rodents once, maybe eve twice if your BP doesn't take it.

    Them refusing a rodent is a risk that you take no matter what form it is in.
  • 05-16-2012, 10:13 AM
    rebelrachel13
    If you end up needing to feed live, just make sure you supervise the feeding. The only real risk with live is when the snake is left alone with a rodent.

    (Sent from my Android via Tapatalk)
  • 05-16-2012, 10:16 AM
    Homegrownscales
    All I can tell you is you have a snake. Be prepared to have to Feed live at some point. I wouldn't worry about feeding live. Just watch the prey and have tongs in your hand to put in the preys mouth if the prey while being constricted bites. A mouse or rat doesn't just walk up to a snake and start nawing on it. Normally bites happen when the snake is killing the mouse. Just be watchful. I feed all 60+ of my snakes live rats and I use some mice. I haven't had a snake with even a minor bite in a long time. It happens sure. But you need to realize these animals can do things for themselves. Don't be scared of it. It's the way of the world.


    Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com
  • 05-16-2012, 10:17 AM
    John1982
    Sounds like you need another snake to act as garbage disposal. I suggest a bull snake, mine never refuse a meal and have no problem scarfing down a 2nd, 3rd or 4th helping in one sitting. You won't be wasting when your BP doesn't eat but your food bill will grow exponentially if you add a pituophis to your collection.
  • 05-16-2012, 10:20 AM
    rabernet
    I've fed over 15K live prey items and NEVER intervened in the kill. Pardon the pun, but IMHO that's just overkill.

    If you have to feed live, make sure the mouse or rat is well fed and hydrated and remove about 20 or 30 later if not eaten.

    Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2
  • 05-16-2012, 10:21 AM
    renee2287
    i live in a apt n dont have room for a bunch of snakes. i was thinking of buying a male n female mouse.
  • 05-16-2012, 10:22 AM
    Stewart_Reptiles
    There are a few keys when it comes to live feeding and ensure the safety of your animal.

    1# Feeding a rodent that is the appropriate size, never feed something too large, in case of a BP you will never need to feed an adult anything really larger than a medium rat which his about 125 grams.

    2# Make sure the rodent is fed and well hydrated prior to being fed of.

    3# Enticing the snake by pre-scenting the room.

    4# Supervising feeding, remove any an eaten prey after 20 minutes.


    I feed a few thousands of live rats each year and have done so for a few years now and none of my snake has ever sustain any injuries that would require my intervention.

    And remember owning a snake mean being willing to feed live when needed. :gj:
  • 05-16-2012, 10:31 AM
    renee2287
    Im thawing a mouse right now last she ate was a small pinky on Saturday. Hope she is hungry.
  • 05-16-2012, 10:55 AM
    Homegrownscales
    Mice are a better meal than pinkies. I'm sure she will be hungry If that all she had for a meal. Pinkies are just not an appropriate sized meal for even the smallest hatchlings.


    Check out what's new on my website... www.Homegrownscales.com
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