Feeding "Live" VS Feeding "Not Live"

[davo]

I was never one for the live vs frozen debate but must ask a question:
Can anyone offer an advantage to feeding live?? I mean, everyone can offer up advantages for feeding frozen, ranging from convienance to safety for the animal being fed. Is there any advantage to feeding live?

Also, if feeding fresh killed (Or animals that were "Clunked" on the head) is so popular, why not feed frozen thawed? I cannot understand why anyone would purchase a live animal rather than a dead (Frozen) one. Sorry, this makes no sense to me.

But what if you are breeding your own?

 

[madwhitehat]

Also, if feeding fresh killed (Or animals that were "Clunked" on the head) is so popular, why not feed frozen thawed? I cannot understand why anyone would purchase a live animal rather than a dead (Frozen) one. Sorry, this makes no sense to me.

A couple of reasons.

First: Some animals do not take well to frozen rodents. IME, some reptiles just seem to need that warm animal with a heartbeat in order to solicite a feeding response.

Second: Knocking out a live mouse/rat and feeding it to a reptile is quicker and easier than waiting for one to thaw, then using tongs to dance it around in front of whatever reptile you're feeding.

 

[Brooklynella]

A couple of reasons.

First: Some animals do not take well to frozen rodents. IME, some reptiles just seem to need that warm animal with a heartbeat in order to solicite a feeding response.

Second: Knocking out a live mouse/rat and feeding it to a reptile is quicker and easier than waiting for one to thaw, then using tongs to dance it around in front of whatever reptile you're feeding.

IMO, Most reptiles that accept a fresh killed rodent will accept a frozen rodent. A properly warmed, thawed rodent will not be viewed differently by a hungry reptile than a killed one. Yes, there are some exceptions but more will than won't.

Quicker and easier? If you can't find 15 minutes in your day to feed your snake you have my pity. Seriously, that's not much of an arguement. Surely you wasted more time buying the live rodent (Or caring for your breeders) than having to wait a few minutes for the ice to melt?

 

[Brooklynella]

But what if you are breeding your own?

Sure, I suppose if you want to breed your own go right ahead.
They stink, cost money to feed and house so IMO, the return on the investment is not so great though.

 

[madwhitehat]

Quicker and easier? If you can't find 15 minutes in your day to feed your snake you have my pity. Seriously, that's not much of an arguement. Surely you wasted more time buying the live rodent (Or caring for your breeders) than having to wait a few minutes for the ice to melt?

LOL....I never said I couldn't find the time to do it. I just choose not to. This isn't really even the focus of this topic. If you want to talk about it, start your own thread.

 

[madwhitehat]

.....never mind

 

[Brooklynella]

LOL....I never said I couldn't find the time to do it. I just choose not to. This isn't really even the focus of this topic. If you want to talk about it, start your own thread.

It's not my fault you offered two lame reasons to feed live.

 

[madwhitehat]

It's not my fault you offered two lame reasons to feed live.

Whatever. IN ADDITION, I have to travel far out of my way to get to a shop that sells ratcicles. The one close to me only sells live rodents.

 

[Mad About Cichlids]

Live as in live mice or rat? No. I do feed live roaches and nightcrawlers though.

I used to feed live mice when I first started keeping my pyxies but after watching these rodents fight back on a few occasions I figured it is not worth the risk of them getting sick from bites. Also I've noticed a lot of people tend to feed live preys that are a little on the larger than should be size.


I'm in no way against live feeding, I'll even admit that I actually even enjoy watching what these animals are capable of doing but just choose not too do it.

 

[davo]

Sure, I suppose if you want to breed your own go right ahead.
They stink, cost money to feed and house so IMO, the return on the investment is not so great though.

It's a hell of a lot cheaper if you have a largish collection. Bedding and some good quality dog biscuit isn't going to break the bank for you... that's why most breeders breed their own. Also if they are kept properly, rodents don't stink too much.