Live Prey vs. F/T as a component of a Snake's "Mental Health"

[scalrtn]

Please forgive the question, but a clerk at the place where I buy my feeder rats suggested that feeding live prey rather Frozen/Thawed to my bp is better for the snake's well-being. Specifically, he said that snakes who receive F/T tend to be "more depressed." Has anyone else heard anything like this or does anyone have scientific data supporting such a claim? I've always heard that feeding non-live is better, since it reduces the potential for injury to the snake.

Thanks!

[bearded_guy]

A safe, unharmed snake, is more important to me than a snake that feels good about itself in the morning. Just my $0.02.

Curious to see what other people have to say.

[brock lesser]

I feed f/t and don't have a problem with people who feed live, it's up to you.
The next time I feed I will ask my snakes if they are depressed. lol
I haven't heard that before and dont think they have the emotional capacity for depression.

[Pythonfriend]

how would you diagnose depression in a snake?

it makes no sense to me.

[PitOnTheProwl]

A safe, unharmed snake, is more important to me than a snake that feels good about itself in the morning. Just my $0.02.

Curious to see what other people have to say.

100% live here, you asked.................... takes a lazy keeper to really have a problem.

how would you diagnose depression in a snake?

If its wagging its tail or not

[eclipse3]

Did you ever think that some ball pythons go off food for long periods because they feel guilty and depressed about having to kill their prey? Maybe they feel bad for the poor rats families that are being left behind..... Sounds about as likely as them being depressed from only eating f/t....just saying.....lmao.
I really don't think it matters to the snake. As long as he gets his food he's happy. (At least that's what mine tell me anyway)

[Stewart_Reptiles]

What matters is to feed what works for your snake and what is convenient for you whether it's live or f/t, it does not matter.

I feed some animals live (BP) and some F/T (Hognose snakes) all without exception are healthy and thriving, haven't caught any call DR Phil yet

Next time can you ask the store clerk what the signs of depression in snakes are?

[CORBIN911]

Well I had to sit my snake down and tell him maybe 1 day he could get live. Saw him trying to drown himself!!


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[AlexisFitzy]

A rat is a rat if it's f/t or not. My snakes still hunt the rat even though it's dead they don't care they just want to eat some rat haha. I think my snakes are pretty happy with the consistent meals they are getting.


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[Ssprice]

A rat is a rat if it's f/t or not. My snakes still hunt the rat even though it's dead they don't care they just want to eat some rat haha. I think my snakes are pretty happy with the consistent meals they are getting.


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Have to say I agree with this, not that I'm an expert in any way. I'm actually pretty new to it all, but my BP hunts and kills her F/T every time with enthusiasm, fairly sure she doesn't even know the difference........my black king on the other hand, VERY lazy with the whole process, there's no hunting, no killing she just comes over strikes and swallows.

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