First rat pups fed

[STi]

Hey everyone. So I fed off some of the very first rat pups that I produced today. I have to admit that I didnt think it would suck so much. I'm not the type that gets a thrill off feeding live but I never minded it when it was just going out to the pet store and buying some feeders. I guess its since I grew these guys up for a couple weeks and checked on them way too much and in turn grew a bit attached. I hope it gets easier to feed the little guys off as I go. Anyone else feel bad when they're feeding some of their rats??

[rabernet]

All the time. It is easier to feed off those you purchase, vs those you raised.

The first time is the hardest - and it's even harder when you end up feeding off one that you considered holding back, but changed your mind on - especially if you took it out to work on socializing it some.

[Wh00h0069]

It will get better. I breed my own rats, and it does not bother me at all to feed them to the snakes.

[anendeloflorien]

I guess I'm getting a thicker skin cuz it's not bothering me as much as it used to to feed of our babies but I still don't particularly like it..... But that's what has to happen! Snakes are a predator and that's what they eat. My girl still can't be in the same room though when I'm feeding off the babies. She'll help me feed the snakes that take f/t but the ones that we feed live she'll start freakin out if she hears the babies squeaking when the snake strikes.....

[littleindiangirl]

I don't enjoy it at all, but I know it has to be done and I can deal with it. Open tub, drop rat in, move on.

I always get a bit elated to find one of my snakes didn't eat the rat, because then I have a second chance to decide if I would like to hang onto that one or not.

[Drew87]

I dont like it, but the reason you have them is to feed the snakes. its a part of life.

[marmie]

I can honestly say that I've never seen any of our snakes eat! The deal I have with my husband is that I will take care of the rats and when he feeds the snakes he has to do so either when I'm not home or turn the stereo up so I don't hear anything.

I have on occasion picked out the feeders and I give them a little prayer and drop them in the bucket to take to the snake room.

I agree with Robin that it is a little harder when it's one that I've considered holding back and have socialized with. But it is part of the food chain.

[STi]

Thanks everyone. I know its something that has to happen and I value my snakes more than almost anything. I'm just hoping that it will suck less over time. My only comfort is that my snakes get the nutrition they need.

[dmaricle]

oh i know what you mean. i spend what seems like hours every night working on the rodents here and its always hard to feed them off. and i almost cant let my wife see them when they are growing up because she names them all within like 2 seconds. but i do let her pic a couple out of each litter to kep for more breeding. i wish i could say it gets easier but it doesn't at least not for us...

[mandy4682]

It has never gotten easier for me. I have been breeding my own rats for three years and feeding live prey since I was 10.