Compiled F/t Conversion Guide

[NightLad]

My issue with stunning is that it has a certain degree of failure, resulting in the prey coming-to and automatically entering 'defensive/attack mode' - thus making it far more dangerous to the snake than an otherwise calm and unsuspecting morsel might be.

Snakes kill by striking and using the element of surprise; they were not meant for rough-and-tumble brawls. That is how they get seriously injured, and can even be killed.

In my experience, when feeding live, keep the prey calm and comfortable prior to being introduced to the snakes enclosure or feeding-tub. Give it water, food, some paper towel to nest in, etc. That way, it will enter the new environment in the best possible state for your snake to make its strike.

Yet, even this is not fool-proof.

Despite my best efforts and careful observation, Salzedo got bit right in the eye by a mouse that evaded his first strike and thus entered 'attack mode.'

$320 in vet bills later (resulting in a hard lesson learned, but a fully recovered Salzedo) I have NO trouble what-so-ever pre-killing. The once highly-picky Salzedo eats pre-killed (I guess he learned his lesson, too!) and soon we will be going to F/T.

My prior reluctance to pre-kill most likely stemmed from a misguided notion of compassion. I've had mice and rats as pets when I was younger, so they are not just 'food stuffs' to me. However, as I am an omnivore, I cannot justify feeding meat to my pet without being able to do what is necessary to prepare it in a way that I personally feel is the best and safest.* On this note, if I had to, I feel I could kill a chicken or pig to feed myself.

As it has also been mentioned, Stunning, when not done correctly, can seriously injure the mouse without killing it, thus leaving it in pain. For myself, I don't consider that good Karma.

* Please note that I said, "in the way that I personally feel." I was not attempting to make generalizations. I know that everybody has their own beliefs about the best way to do this-or-that for their snake, and I support the diversity. However, for those who'd dismiss my comments by saying, "I've fed live one hundred billion times without incident" I'll remind you that it just takes once!

EDIT: My points about 'stunning' aside, I did enjoy the guide you created. I think it serves a good purpose. I wish there had been a more condensed guide like this when I was starting out.