CRAZY... my bp swallowed a rat alive...

[redshepherd]

For what it's worth, the rat probably passed out and then died on the way down after the first claustrophobic struggle. Being inside an esophagus, it would not be able to get any more air than it had before its head was engulfed, and it was already weakened and lacking oxygen.

That's true, I'm hoping it died quickly this way. And really hope that it didn't manage to take a bite out of my BP's insides when it was thrashing.

When I was having to feed my Hoggy live she would do this often. I could hear the pinks squeaking inside of her and see them moving. She did this all the way up to hoppers until she finally kicked onto F/T......thankfully. Even with small feeders this made me nervous but it never seemed to bother her one bit.

Good to know that it is a thing that happens, even though they're pinks. I've read that pinks and fuzzies can last a much longer time without oxygen (which is why CO2 euthanization doesn't work well for them), so makes sense... Gee.

That's horrifying!! Sorry you had to see that!!

It is. Though mainly worried for my snake during the ordeal.

Oh man that'd be awful! I would feel terrible for both animals involved...I hope your little snake is doing well. I assume it'll be fine, as the others said the rat can't get air anymore, but like you I would be concerned about claws or teeth doing damage in a struggle. Hopefully this is a one-off thing for her!

I watched her like a hawk for 20 minutes afterward, and she seemed alright! I sure hope it's a one time thing. I've never even read about this happening from other keepers before.