Alternative feeders

[Qoph]

As has been stated numerous times in this thread already, if you don't want to feed rodents don't get a ball python, it's just that simple. Don't put your wants in front of the snakes needs.

I'm not, and that's why I'm here in the first place trying to figure it all out. Capisce? Anyway, I failed to multiquote this one, but the reason I find it 'barbaric' is that snakes normally kill their food on their own. I don't like the mass manufacture of food, as much is wasted that way, and it's often careless*. Live food won't waste, unless you keep it poorly. I'm still interested in knowing if there is a rodent species safer than the rest for live feeding because they're either not as aggressive or because they're diurnal.


*I appreciate responses, but remember both reasons apply at once, and it's just the way I think, which is unlikely to change. I understand the argument that gas leads to a quicker death, and factor it in.

[FireStorm]

We feed live, and we feed on the smaller side of what the snake can eat. And nothing bigger than a small rat if it is live. That way the snake can kill it quickly. Also, a small rat is a young rat, usually 4-6 weeks old. At that age, they are pretty docile. And rat fuzzies/pups are pretty darn harmless.

That being said, if you are concerned about mass produced food, you probably need to raise your own rodents. Live feeders are no less mass produced than frozen ones.

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[MootWorm]

You could always raise your own and pre kill. That way you can ensure that nothing is "wasted" or that the process is careless. And you wouldn't have to worry about aggression. But as long as you properly supervise feedings, live feeds shouldn't be a problem with any type of rodent. Just make sure the feeder is watered, well fed and calm.

[Anya]

Believe me...rat breeders aren't 'wasting' anything, lol. Rats are valuable.

[MootWorm]

Believe me...rat breeders aren't 'wasting' anything, lol. Rats are valuable.

Haha agreed! And they're in short supply, at least in my area. I know I treat and euthanize my feeders with the utmost of care, as do many hobby breeders.

[MarkS]

If it is absolutely necessary to feed rodents, which would be the safest for a live feeding? Are any of them diurnal, where the snake is nocturnal, making everything go smoother hopefully?

Well, if you absolutely have to feed live, a young small rat is much less likely to fight back then an adult mouse.

[Qoph]

We feed live, and we feed on the smaller side of what the snake can eat. And nothing bigger than a small rat if it is live. That way the snake can kill it quickly. Also, a small rat is a young rat, usually 4-6 weeks old. At that age, they are pretty docile. And rat fuzzies/pups are pretty darn harmless.

That being said, if you are concerned about mass produced food, you probably need to raise your own rodents. Live feeders are no less mass produced than frozen ones.

If you feed on the small side, do you feed two animals, or do you feed more frequently? I know they're all mass-produced, but if you feed live, and the snake doesn't take it, you don't waste a rat. I would not be able to keep rats at the moment, otherwise I would consider it.

As long as you properly supervise feedings, live feeds shouldn't be a problem with any type of rodent. Just make sure the feeder is watered, well fed and calm.

That's good to know, and of course see above for a response to your other comment.

[The Serpent Merchant]

If you feed on the small side, do you feed two animals, or do you feed more frequently? I know they're all mass-produced, but if you feed live, and the snake doesn't take it, you don't waste a rat. I would not be able to keep rats at the moment, otherwise I would consider it.


That's good to know, and of course see above for a response to your other comment.

If you are feeding frozen rodents, and the snake doesn't eat it you just refreeze the rodent and use it next time. You can't do it more than 1 or 2 times, but you shouldn't ever have to.

[Qoph]

You just refreeze the rodent and use it next time.

That's good to know. Thanks everybody, for the info.

[Blitzjg]

If you are feeding frozen rodents, and the snake doesn't eat it you just refreeze the rodent and use it next time. You can't do it more than 1 or 2 times, but you shouldn't ever have to.

About how long do you think you can you leave it with the snake and still referee?