Just a reminder of why we feed f/t and fresh killed.

Rat Bite

It is a common fallacy to think that snakes need to eat live prey. If a snake is not hungry, or if it is not kept at the proper temperature and humidity, then its stimulus to kill and eat live prey is diminished. A common outcome is the rat attacking the snake, leading to serious infection and often times death. All rats and mice fed to snakes should be killed before introduction to a snake. Stunned rodents can be used but should be removed if not eaten in a short period of time

This snake had been ill and off food for about one week before it was brought in. The owner was not aware that the rat he fed attacked the snake because he was not observant after he put the rat in the snake's cage. In this picture the back 1/3rd of the scales were infected.


A close up view reveals the extent of the skin infection. This snake has septicemia also because the infection has spread from the scales into the bloodstream. This pet required extensive medical therapy to save it.


Septicemia or toxemia is a condition where microbes such as bacteria or toxins invade the blood stream and other body organs. Snakes with septicemia are critically ill and are often near death.

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Quality of life is just as important as good health.
Linky.

that is bad

stupid I must say

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True Blue

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1.1.0 South Western Carpet Python
1.2.27 West bearded dragon
1.0.0 Major Mitchell Cockatoo
1.0.0 Pink and Grey Galah

There are times (unfortunately), that some snakes DO refuse all attempts to accept pre-killed, even after leaving them for a good few weeks without food. But I do think that one should NOT stop trying .... Sometimes it`s just not as easy as that.... I in no way agree with feeding live prey either because "That`s what they do in the wild," or (seemingly) for the "entertainment value" that a few individuals seem to get out of watching the event, with little regard for the predator OR the prey...

I believe that every attempt should be made to convert them, and it IS tough to do, but there are times, when they simply won't convert, or you have to feed them live to keep them from starving.

When I did feed live, I always stood over the bin, thick gloves on, and a screwdriver in my hand (in case I had to pry open rodent jaws). I would also usually hold the rat's tail so it could not approach the snake. If the snake was hungry, he'd come get the rat. Sure, I risked a bite, but I'd rather get bit than let my snake get bit. I'll heal easier.

Sometimes, it's a long uphill battle to get some to convert (I would know!) and there were times I caved in and fed a live rat (usually after a few months without food) but I was always, always trying.

In addition to being safer, if you order bulk, frozen is often cheaper, and comes with no risk of parasites or disease spreading to the snake.

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Only when the last tree has been cut down
Only after the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy.

I believe that all live feeding should be banned.

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True Blue

DO CLICK HERE!

1.1.0 South Western Carpet Python
1.2.27 West bearded dragon
1.0.0 Major Mitchell Cockatoo
1.0.0 Pink and Grey Galah

It would be nice if all snakes were compliant enough that there was no need for it. It is dangerous, not only from injuries, but from the potential of infecting your snake with parasites. I'm glad the last of mine seem to have finally converted. I'll call it official once he's taken a few in a row.

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Only when the last tree has been cut down
Only after the last river has been poisoned
Only after the last fish has been caught
Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

Cree Indian Prophecy.

That`s great news, well done for not giving up!

Those pics look just awfully painful.

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Just because you have an animal that isnt dead doesnt mean you know how to take care of it

The 'Snakes' reptile shop in my area sells live rodents, they don't even offer frozen. If it wasn't for the internet I would have never known frozen was even an option. Although I prefer to stun the rodents and not have to thaw previously frozen prey. The dry ice inside a styrofoam box approach works well, I just tried it today. Leave the prey item in for just a couple of minutes and it will be unconscious, but still alive. Only problem I had was my snake was used to mice, so she investigated the rat a few times before finally deciding it was ok to eat.