Live or frozen

[sidhe]

I haven't gotten my BP yet but, when I do I keep hearing you should feed F/T mice because of the risk of injury to the snake. Most breeder websites I've looked on feed live. So, can you switch to frozen or should you feed live with BP's? I can't purchase live where I live so can you order them on the internet or where do you get them (other than breeding your own)? I would rather feed frozen so I could just order bulk on-line and feed my corn snake as well.

[Shelby]

Live or F/T is your personal decision. As long as you supervise live feedings, it is a safe way of feeding, and BPs have a much stronger feeding response when fed live rather than F/T typically. However, if you prefer f/t there are ways to switch your snake over. There are literally dozens of threads here on the subject, do a search and you should have no trouble finding answers.

[frankykeno]

There are also tons of threads on f/t suppliers you can order from online. Most, if not all, supply both mice and rats of various sizes so you can custom order for each snake's needs.

[sidhe]

O.K. thanks. Now, for my next question...what method do you all feed with?

[cassandra]

Again, there have been several threads and polls on what people feed with their explanations. Do a search and you'll probably find more than what to read, hehe! =)

[Smulkin]

You can also (from the front page) click the MORE POLLS link and kind of scan down through - I can't remember is the last poll said "f/t" (hard to search for) or "frozen".

[Shelby]

Of my 26 snakes all but 5 are fed f/t the remaining ones will only take live.

[rabernet]

I feed live.

[JimiSnakes]

13 snakes and all but one little bugger is on FT. Though that is do to a regurg problem when eating FT only...not because it won't take them.

[drewthat]

If the snake is eating F/T it's much easier to get them eating live. The problem is that they might not be able to go back to eating F/T just as easy. I feed mine F/T, because I can keep a freezer full of rats, instead of having to go buy one every week (not always convinient). As for feeding technique; I defrost the rat, by putting it in a ziplock bag and soaking it in a bowl of hot water. I usually have to change the water a couple of times, because the water will cool, and rat might not be fully defrosted yet. Once warm I take the rat by the tail with a pair of tongues and dangle it in front of the snake. He strikes and grabs the rat, and I release it. Then I just let him do his thing.