Live Rodents

[elevatethis]

Live feeding is safe so long as:

1. The rodent is an appropriate size - make sure the feeder isn't too large
2. The snake is conditioned to accept live food - suddenly dropping a live rodent in with a snake that is used to eating f/t or p/k usually throws them off. Most people don't make the switch in that direction, though I've seen it done/attempted especially when people buy/sell their reptiles.
3. The keeper isn't a dimwit - Use common sense. A lot of people try to "stun" live rodents into thinking its safer for their snake to eat. In reality, you want the rodent to be as calm and happy as possible. Treat your feeders like pets, not food. I know it sounds wierd, but that way, they aren't alarmed or take a defense posture when introduced to the snake, which makes for a safer situation for the snake to take the prey item.

 

[Pituophis]

Live feeding is safe so long as:

1. The rodent is an appropriate size - make sure the feeder isn't too large
2. The snake is conditioned to accept live food - suddenly dropping a live rodent in with a snake that is used to eating f/t or p/k usually throws them off. Most people don't make the switch in that direction, though I've seen it done/attempted especially when people buy/sell their reptiles.
3. The keeper isn't a dimwit - Use common sense. A lot of people try to "stun" live rodents into thinking its safer for their snake to eat. In reality, you want the rodent to be as calm and happy as possible. Treat your feeders like pets, not food. I know it sounds wierd, but that way, they aren't alarmed or take a defense posture when introduced to the snake, which makes for a safer situation for the snake to take the prey item.

Awesome info. Thanks for posting this.
--PIT

 

[kenC56]

You must go through a lot of feeders. My bigger bulls take down 1-2 medium rats a week. Hatchlings to two years old will eat every 4-5 days, and two years + eat every 5-10 days (depending on the time of year). There metabolism is pretty quick and they sure do poop a lot. I order my rats through rodent pro. Just have to be careful with samll pits, one regurg is disastrous for pits. There stomach acids are so strong one regurg can be a killer.