Snakes - Live food?
Discussion
It's legal, but generally not done as far as I know because there is a chance the rat or mouse or whatever may fight back and harm the snake. Also, it teaches the snake to strike at moving things and you're more likely to get it going for your hand when you're putting it in the viv.
The only time I've known anyone to use live food is when they've had a snake with eating problems and they can't get it to take dead food.
The only time I've known anyone to use live food is when they've had a snake with eating problems and they can't get it to take dead food.
uriel said:
It's legal, but generally not done as far as I know because there is a chance the rat or mouse or whatever may fight back and harm the snake. Also, it teaches the snake to strike at moving things and you're more likely to get it going for your hand when you're putting it in the viv.
The only time I've known anyone to use live food is when they've had a snake with eating problems and they can't get it to take dead food.
I have read about the prey attacking the Snake - some pretty graphic picture in one of my books too.The only time I've known anyone to use live food is when they've had a snake with eating problems and they can't get it to take dead food.
Not really thinking of doing it, just been feeding the sods and it crossed my mind.
13th said:
Live food isn't the best option, a nicely thawed mouse is the usual option.
eta and only one a week should be sufficent.
Thats what I do at the moment.eta and only one a week should be sufficent.
Edited by 13th on Sunday 16th November 17:51
Always thawed mine out by wrapping them in clingfilm aned putting in hot water but the bigger rats take 'kin ages.
Anyone use the microwave (obviously on defrost, and obviously NOT the one you would use for food)
Hoppy2008 said:
13th said:
Live food isn't the best option, a nicely thawed mouse is the usual option.
eta and only one a week should be sufficent.
Thats what I do at the moment.eta and only one a week should be sufficent.
Edited by 13th on Sunday 16th November 17:51
Always thawed mine out by wrapping them in clingfilm aned putting in hot water but the bigger rats take 'kin ages.
Anyone use the microwave (obviously on defrost, and obviously NOT the one you would use for food)
http://ezinearticles.com/?Why-You-Should-Never-Fee...
You may find the above useful. I've never considered live food & only had one Royal Python which is a particularly fussy eater. It does take chicks however so occasionally I'll hold a mouse to its mouth just before the chick has gone down & the snake just keeps swallowing both. I've also found out it will take gerbils from time to time.
As for legality, it is my understanding that feeding live food is not illegal as long as it is not done in public.
You may find the above useful. I've never considered live food & only had one Royal Python which is a particularly fussy eater. It does take chicks however so occasionally I'll hold a mouse to its mouth just before the chick has gone down & the snake just keeps swallowing both. I've also found out it will take gerbils from time to time.
As for legality, it is my understanding that feeding live food is not illegal as long as it is not done in public.
Edited by 7mike on Sunday 16th November 18:44
Sometimes they fight back! This was in the news a couple of weeks ago..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3353107...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/3353107...
ive just fed mine, only have ever fed frozen and thawed mice/rats, if they will take them its better for the snake as theres less risk of it being harmed and its alot easier too, ive got another baby one now as my adult Rainbow Boa escaped several months ago, im still hoping it will turn up.
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