live or not live?

Hello, I'm new to this forum. My son has a Ball Python, has had it about 5 months. I was wondering what you more experienced snake owners prefer to feed your snakes, Live or not live ?
Thanks!

I just got mine and i'm planning to feed live. Just did my first feeding recently, felt kinda bad for the cute little fuzzy mouse getting eaten, but i'm sure i'll get over that

There is actually a poll (with responses and reasons) going on right now.

Check it out.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=24079

BTW...welcome to BP.net.

I for one, use to hate people who fed live. But I dont any longer. AS LONG as they feed appropriatly for size. When feeding live, you shouldnt feed anythign larger than a small/small rat. If your snake is say.. feeder larger, it should be f/t. And you must feed appropriate for size, of the snake and the prey suffer. We breed our own rats and mice. Make sure lots of handling is happening if you do that (handling of the rodent) so they are calm and sweet. A tamed, loving, rodent is much better to feed then one that is in shock and stress and realize what is going to happen (usually the petstore boughten ones) I for one like to breed because our rodents know love before they go. And they are calmer, and we need certain sizes. Unlike petstore ones that are scared, never knew anyone that loved them and treated them with respect before they go. This is just us. And our opinions and beliefs.

I feed live. I started off trying to feed f/t and Zeke would not go near it...as soon as I dropped a live mouse in there he was straight out of his hide....started out the first 2 feedings with mice until I found out I should be doing rats.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KittyJ

I for one, use to hate people who fed live.

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You used to hate me? :( :P

Live for me.

holy balls, if you plan to have only one snake then f/t would be a great way to feed your bp. there is less risk of injury to your snake and i guess less suffering for the rodent(unless he suffered before they killed him and put him in a freezer...).



haha kittyJ i can just picture you... aww i love you little rat... now you die!

Thanks for the responses.
Lord Jackel thanks for the forum info. I think we'll continue with live.
Thanks again everyone.

I personally like F/T for the convienience. I'm a college student--and not only is F/T cheaper than feeding live, I don't have to drive 20 minutes to the nearest pet store every week. And, if Auryn ever decided "well...I don't feel like eating this week", I won't have to house a rodent for a week or more OR return it to the pet store (another 20 min drive).

It's really a personal preference thing. As long as you're okay with the above things and are willing to always supervise your BP's feeding, then feeding live's just fine :)