Snakes on pinkies.

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snakefin

Candiru
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May 31, 2010
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Hey, just wondering whether a ball python and a kenyan sand boa can be possibly kept on pinkies for their lives. I don't quite like the idea of feeding them live rodents with more developed cognitive abilities.
Some notes:
I don't have either of them.
If necessary, I'm willing to feed them larger food items.


So...What do you guys think? Is it possible?
 
Absolutely not possible and bordering on cruel.
If you don't want to feed live then get animals that are already started well on frozen thawed or take the time to switch them to frozen thawed. most snakes don't put up to much a fight against that if you thaw the rat out nice and warm.
A ball python should never have to see a mouse in it's life btw. So many people start balls on mice, little ones even! and I cannot fathom why....
 
Yes, I'd very much prefer the above options. But, the snakes sold around my area are unfortunately not raised on frozen thawed. In fact, I don't even have access to frozen thawed mice! Which is why I'm now stuck.
 
oh LORD NO, you do not want to feed a snake that will get big in size on only a pinkie diet. I hated the thought of switching my cornsnake to live till my friend had to rehome her kingsnake and gave it to me because I know what I'm doing. Well he was one live, my cornsnake wasn't. I soon noticed a little after getting this kingsnake my cornsnake lost its taste for anything frozen. Wouldn't eat for 2 months, it worried me. So I switched to live and he is bouncing with joy when he sees his meal every two weeks. I was scared out of my mind to feed either of them live, but its a very cool and remarkable experience if you are doing it for the first time. As long as my snakes are happy, I am. Those boys are my life.

but to the point, with a boa and ball python they shouldn't be even eating frozen-thawed. They should be on live mainly from the get go. Your snakes will start losing the taste for your thawed pinkies and not eat. But don't worry, it wont hurt them if they don't eat for a few months, but its most likely they want that thrill of killing the prey not having it handed to them. Frozen doesn't give them the protein they need while they are growing to stay healthy. But your ball python and boa will get big enough to eat rabbits.
 
I have two balls and I feed them live. Many people say feeding frozen is actually a better alternative. This is true because I've had rats bite my big ball before. I now hit the rat on the side of the snakes cage to stun it before I put it in. (Sounds cruel but I love my snake more than the rats)

If you have a petco around I know they sell pre-frozen pinkies, feeder mice, and rats.

If I were you I'd steer clear of big snakes like boas and Burmese Pythons unless you have a lot of money to be spending on finding rabbits and such when they get bigger. A friend of mine has fed his burmese small pigs!

My advice is to start off with a Baby Ball python. Get him situated, keep the tank around 85 F and make sure he has a hiding spot. Also, a water dish big enough for him to it in is ideal. My snakes drink a lot of water, especially after meals. Wait two weeks and get a live feeder mouse and don't leave the snake and mouse unattended during feeding. If the ball appears to be scared, rather than interested in the mouse, it's best to remove it and wait another week until he's more comfortable.

The feeder mouse should be as think as your snake at his widest point as well. Good luck!

Tim
 
People. Its a kenyan sand boa, three feet burrowing snake, considerably smaller than even a ball python. No offense to anyone, but I personally do not think rabbits fit into four feet worth of scaly tube. Thanks for the advice though!
 
I've had mine bit my snakes and I now thump them in the head or shake the box to daze and confuse them so they don't strike my snakes. I started this also when the stupid mouse bit me, got made, shook the box, threw it in the cage and my kingsnake went to town. lol Its cruel but I'm not here to make friends with something thats here to keep my babies going. They said I should feed my kingsnake rats but I had those are pets, so its a bit hard for me to take that step.

ALSO with a Boa and Ball Python, when they eat rabbits, you have to break their back legs so the rabbits to not tear into your snakes underbelly and kill them. So fair warning, if you're not ready for it, rehome them and find something that you are more comfortable with.
 
There are frozen rodent suppliers that will ship you frozen rodents for a fraction of the price you will pay at a retail chain store. I purchase frozen mice and chicks for my Tegu through AmericanRodent.com

You will find endless opinions and experiences on the frozen/thawed -vs- live debate. Both sides have very strong facts and are often very passionately supported. Neither is a bad approach provided they are pursued wisely.

The general consensus on at least most snakes is it is best to feed them a single food item that will serve as their meal. Thus feeding pinkies (new born mice) only to a 3' boa will likely not be ideal.
 
The sad part is that I'm kind of stuck in asia, and I don't even have a salary to pay for.
 
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