Feeding

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Originally Posted by Neal

I wouldn't re-freeze anything, if she doesn't take it, then I would throw it away, or if you have another snake feed it to them.

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I agree with refreezing being not recommended. Each time you freeze cells ice crystals degrade and destroy the cell walls making the meat bad. At least that's what I learned while working in a meat department. I'd assume rats/mice would be the same deal since they are sorta like little steaks for our snakes :P

I've heard that refreezing isn't bad as long as it hasn't been thawed for too long (no point in refreezing a mouse that has started to decay). The refreezing will break down the cells more, which to us makes undesirable meat, but it makes it easier for the snakes to digest.

Both of mine are on F/T. My adult male makes a big production out of it. He will swing and slam the rat all over the tank, like he wrestling or tenderizing it. He was already converted when I got him. My small one I had to convert myself. Initially he didn't want anything to do with them so I would give in and feed live. Finally I just started offering only thawed. He is a shy eater so I would place the rat in front of his hide, shut off the lights, and go to bed. If the rat was there in the morning I would toss it. He refused 3 times, but on the fourth time I guess he got hungry enough because he ate it that night. Now, that is his schedule. I have seen him eating, usually within 2 hours of me placing the rat in the tank. So once you start trying to convert your snake, don't give up. It's also a good idea to monitor your snakes weight, because some just won't take F/T. Hope this helps and good luck...


Rob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Deacon240

Feeders and pets are the same at both places I purchase them. Kinda feel bad when some little kid sees me getting a rat and they point and say something to their parent about me getting a pet rat and they want one... Lol

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ahahahah thats horrible. They want a pet rat so bad and your just getting one to kill it :colbert: lol.

well she ate it!
it wasnt even hard. the only thing is that she swallowed it backwards... :oops:
lol. and another thing which brings up a new question. While she was eating I noticed she was missing some scales under her mouth/jaw. whats up with that? :confused: is this bad or will they come back?



http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...feeding011.jpg

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...feeding013.jpg

and heres some others of the feeding, size comparison with my hand.

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...feeding010.jpg

and the figure 8 lol

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/a...feeding008.jpg

Hi,

The bit you think is missing scales is perfectly normal - they all have it but you can only really see it on a shed skin or when it is stretched open when they are eating. The rest of the time it just looks like a line under their jaw. :)


dr del

Congratulations... I call that that line their stretch mark...


Rob