Benefits of live feeding?

[ChunkyLoverYYZ]

I don't want to start a debate over which is better - live or f/t - as that's been done to death. I'm also aware of the risks of leaving a live rat with a snake unattended.

That aside, is there a clear benefit or reason for me to switch to live rats?

I started with f/t because the breeder recommended it and I just assumed everyone did it. Admittedly f/t is more convenient for me as I just don't want to store a bunch of live rats. Still, if there's a strong valid reason, I might consider it. Otherwise my guy is feeding well and there's no need to change without a clear benefit. Don't fix what ain't broke?

Thoughts?
(Again, please no f/t vs live debates)

[Trogdorpheus]

I feed live because my snake won't take f/t. I also don't store them, I live 2 minutes away from a store so I get them on a weekly basis.

So, if your snake is currently taking f/t no problem, there is very little in terms of "clear benefits" to switching to live other than the fact that (I believe... could be wrong) there is (slight) loss of nutritional value when feeding f/t.

With 1 snake, and no feeding issues, your probably best to just stick with f/t.

[The Serpent Merchant]

There are absolutely no benefits of feeding live except that you don't have to thaw them out. If anything they have a downside of possibly transmitting internal parasites and could bite your snake.

[Skittles1101]

Why change it at all if it works for you? Works both ways too. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I'd pay for a few of mine to start taking f/t. Don't ruin it lol.

[Slim]

Some will argue that live is more nutritious than F/T. When they make that argument, ask them for the studies...

[Mike41793]

Im currently trying to switch my 2 bps to f/t just so i dont have to go to the pet store every week to get rats. Its almost 20min both ways and completely out of my way. So ill be overjoyed if the 2nd one switches for me, one has so far. Plus f/t is cheaper. F/t online are like 1/3 the price of live in the petstore. The only downside of f/t for me is thawing out the rats. I think its kinda gross compared to dropping a live rat in but in the long run ill be saving money

[EricWright]

Live makes feeding day more interesting.

[mattchibi]

Live makes feeding day more interesting.

Only if you consider the sound of rats squirming, dying and losing bowel control as "interesting". Id go f/t any day if all my snakes would take it.

[Amon Ra Reptiles]

Some will argue that live is more nutritious than F/T. When they make that argument, ask them for the studies...

http://nutritiondata.self.com/topics/processing



Not much loss but loss just the same.

[AEnimaDrummer98]

Only excitement animal gets in its life really.... Biting ain't no problem here...my snake ain't no [sissy], the mouse never lasts more than 10 seconds in there and I supervise the entire thing

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