Alrighty. So, a couple months ago I picked up 3 “medium” rats from a reptile store nearby. The smalls I had gotten from them the time before were very small, so I thought I’d try their mediums. And HOLY crap, these things are like the size of cats!!

Yes, I realize I should have exchanged them. But I didn’t. Yes, I know it’s best to buy in bulk anyway for regulated sizing. But I am living in Texas right now from California, where I am recovering from surgery for an unknown period of time. And I have no intentions of trying to drive cross country while worrying about thawing rodents in the car.

Anyway, they are obviously much larger than a meal I’d ever normally feed either of my animals. I’ve cut heads and limbs of chicks in the past, but there’s no way I could do that with one of these without a ghastly mess. I know I just worry way too much about prey size...because I see these photos/videos of snakes in the wild having swallowed MASSIVE prey.

I still just get nervous about it. Of course I know I can just toss them out. It’s not about that. I would feel guilty about wasting a life.
About 6 weeks ago, I fed the smallest looking one to my Dumeril’s. She did it, but looked fat and miserable for a few weeks. Although, it was nothing compared to photos you often see of large constrictors eating antelope and stuff.

Now that I say that out loud I realize how ridiculous I sound worrying. They just look so big! Even though others have assured me my scrub could probably handle one, I just can’t do it. He’s 6 feet long, but so thin-bodied. Every time he eats, I swear I think his neck will burst! But 3 days later, no matter how big the meal, it’s like it never happened.

Anyway, forum team. What would you do? Leave them in the freezer for now? Go for it?


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