Re: did i traumatize my bp?!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kelvin Rivera
oh, ok...i didn't think leaving it alone would be too big of a problem since it was moving around, but it's eyes weren't even open yet...but i guess it can still scratch and things like that. Is there a recommended process from converting from live to f/t or just try and cross your fingers? lol
Leaving a pup whose eyes aren't even open isn't going to put your snake in dire danger. It's the larger, weaned rodents that are more risky. Some BPs also won't eat while they're being watched. I trust my snakes to know what nature has ingrained in them, which is how to dispatch a rodent without allowing major damage to themselves. [Cliff's Notes version: You did fine. :)] As far as switching from live to F/T, the biggest recommendation I can make is to make sure it is fully thawed and then warmed (hair dryer, heat lamp, etc.) so your BP recognizes it as prey. I just hold my F/T in front of them with tongs (more jiggling for the less shy BPs, and vice versa).
Re: did i traumatize my bp?!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kelvin Rivera
So I brown paper bagged/blunt hit the rat (i don't have dry ice, so i think this is the next most humane way?
If you're wondering, this is not the next most humane way. It's questionably one of the least humane ways, actually. It's not called 'paper bagging,' it's called bludgeoning. It's a horrible way to die. Here's what you want to do next time:
Throw on some leather gloves
Pin it down flat with one hand behind its head with your thumb and forefinger holding it right at the back of its skull... kind of pinching the back of the head. Hold it with the other hand firmly at the base of its tail.
Give a SHARP, FIRM tug at the base of the tail. This is more of a snap of the wrist than a pull of the arm.
Behind dry ice, that's the most humane way to kill a rodent for feeding.