If you think feeding live is cool....??

[Nanashi04]

I'd never feed a live...

[Xetox]

The first time I saw that pic on proexotics I almost puked!

But its a great pic to show people that refuse to switch to f/t.

They ended up having to put that snake down, poor guy!

[ReptiZone]

I used to feed live the same way it was described holding by the tail and I thaught it was safer but once my burm grabed the but end (almost took my fingers) any way tha rat came back on it's self and bit her right in the neck needles to say I was the first to jump in and stop it but the damege was done and the vet bill was just what it took to topel the whater glass and change my way of thinking(200$$) vet bill jut too look and give medication for somthing that if I hade the knowlege then That I have know I could have fixed for free.

[fateamber]

eww, thats horrible poor snake (s) yack difficult to imagine a mouse could do that much damage!

[alex_33]

thats pretty disturbing. I feel really bad for those snakes. when i get my first snake, ill be sure never, ever to feed live

[reptilez]

I use to feed my snake live, but now.....No Way!!!! Thats Brutal. I love my snake, i would hate to see something horrible like that happen.
-Reptilez

[ReptiZone]

Now lets try to open a live VS f/t Debat see what ppl have to say in there defence and why it would be worth the risk

[tHeGiNo]

and I have yet to see a reason TO feed live

Well we also must rememeber that some individuals will only take live. However if this is the case certain precausions should be taken ie. stunning.

[marisa]

I agree that sometimes they will only take live, but I feel some people jump to live to solve their non-feeding problems (with adult snakes that is) too quickly than really needed anyway.

And I think there are exceptions of course. Its when people say "oh its so cool" and "Its nature" without realizing the terrible logic mistake they are making in saying that. IMHO nothing is natural about a snake feeding in a small enclosed area with no escape hole/holes. Nothing natural about a mouse being cornered either, and when it does happen the mice get even more violent when they see no escape. Frantic even in some cases.

The only reason I know of personally for feeding live is for the snakes that must have it because of feeding issues. IMHO



Marisa

[Scales Zoo]

I have used side cutters to snap the teeth off rats when confronted with rescues that only feed on live. Further to that, they usually bang their heads on the door frame of the cage on their way in. Once the snake discovers eating injured, then pre-killed food, it is only a matter of time before they accept thawed.
Another trick I have used is to take the water away for at least 48 hours, and then offer a wet thawed prey item. Often the snake gets excited while trying to "drink" off the prey, that they will open up and swallow it.

For the price of the snake, and the resultant vet bill, you can buy a lot of frozen food.

Sheila

[Bryce Masuk]

yep as scales zoo said thats what needs to be done but i should add this think of a snake like a person they will only eat what they want to eat when they arent too hungry but when a snake is hungry they will take nearly anything just like people or any animal

[jpaulson]

I just kicked a guy out of chat because he got so out of line when we told him that feeding live was wrong. Here is some of what I hear:
1. The snake is aggressive, never gives the mouse a chance.
Reality--No one is quick enough to stop a pissed off mouse or rat from doing damage.

2. They will only eat live.
Reality--there are FEW species that will not accept pre-killed prey. Usually, it is because the owner does not have the patience to switch over.

3. I will watch, and if anything goes wrong, I can stop it.
Reeality--No, you can't. Damage will be done before you can react.

4. Well, in the wild, no one kills the prey for them.
Reality--In the wild, they can run if they need to. They are not confined to a feeding tote, or a cage.

I really don't think there is much debate on this, Chondro. Any responsible owner that cares for his/her pets will not feed live.

Scales, are you for real? Cutting the teeth out of live rats? Something that people forget here is that by feeding pre-killed prey, it also is more humane to the rat, as well. The rats are either put to sleep gently, or we smack them against something, killing them instantly. These are less painful ways to die then to have a snake grab it, then strangle it to death for a couple of minutes.

Just because it is our pet, does not mean that we should be any less humane to other live animals. I have no problem in killing rats and mice; I do it repectfully. I could never imagine cutting the teeth off of a live rat...that is horrible!!

There, Chondro. If you wanted a debate, I might of just started one.

[Bryce Masuk]

Some snakes wont take prekilled because they are in bad shape yet they need food some times its the only thing you can do it is a better choice then feeding regular live food since it can bite back soon the snake will take regular prey when it is used to it when its in better shape

[Lisa]

Originally posted by Bryce Masuk
Some snakes wont take prekilled because they are in bad shape yet they need food some times its the only thing you can do it is a better choice then feeding regular live food since it can bite back soon the snake will take regular prey when it is used to it when its in better shape

If the snake is in that bad shape that's even more reason NOT to feed live. If the snake is in that poor shape you can always assist feed or use a different feeding method (ie. baby food in a large needleless syringe).

[ReptiZone]

Verry well said Lisa I like the way this thread is comming along some well respected oppinions thanx guys keep them coming