The Live vs F/T debate

[Lizardlicks]

Okay, I've tried to stay out of this, but Jesus do you like banging that morality drum, Zinc. Here's the thing though: I don't think there is more than even a handful of people on this forum, if any, that are making the claim the live feeding is somehow superior or preferable to f/t whenever possible. Most of the posts I've seen you chime in on on tutting at people about live feeding have gone like this:

Person: my snake isn't eating, I wish for my snake to eat and be healthy.

Other people with experience in getting a fussy snake to eat: try offering live if it won't take f/t just to make sure it's eating. Once it's feeding regularly, start the switch to f/t.

You: Live feeding is BARBARIC and you should all feel BAD about it!

This might not be how you intend to come off as, but it sure rubs people the wrong way when you jump down their throats for not conforming to your personal standard for morality, especially when the issue at hand is not which is better, but how do I make sure my snake doesn't starve itself. Switching fussy snakes to f/t can be especially difficult for newbie ball python keepers, which this forum sees a LOT of. You are looking down your nose at people for making choices with the well being of their pet in mind. If it's a choice between feeding live and not feeding at all, you bet your buns most people here are going to put the snake first, not your emotional consideration. Most of the people you've been "debating" with (read: shaking your finger and acting like a snob at, then being surprised why no one likes it) actually do feed f/t, and recommend others do so because it is generally cheaper, easier, and safer when done correctly. However, live feeding is also safe WHEN DONE CORRECTLY, and everyone here has different circumstances under which they must operate, from first time owners of single snakes, to breeders with decades of experience who handle large collections on a daily basis. You should really stop demanding the world march in lockstep with your views and learn to respect the differences. Things will go much smoother for you.