Feeding mice and rats?

[CosmicOwl]

My young snakes are at the point where they can easily eat a large adult mouse, and will outgrow them in the near future. This is the point at which I have some options. I've been debating buying some adult mice as well as some weaned(and possibly small) rats with my next order of feeders. My thought process was that it might be more cost effective to feed 1 rat than 2 or more mice, and I would also get to vary their diet a bit. The overall macro nutrients between mice and rats aren't very different, but they do have different levels of certain minerals. I figure that mixing it up would allow them to get the best of both worlds.

What do you all think?

[EL Ziggy]

I know exactly what you're going through Owl. I've had the same issues recently. I would rather feed 1 rat weaner as opposed to 2-3 large mice. The only problem is my kings don't want to make the transition to rats. They ate the weaners for 2 or 3 feedings then refused rats for several weeks. I gave in and ordered more large mice. My bull eats rats vigorously but now she turns her nose up at mice. And none of them have touched the chicks I bought :(. I want to offer a diverse diet too, and I know other snakes eat different prey without any problems, but I guess it depends on what the snakes prefer :). Best wishes!

[CosmicOwl]

That was a concern of mine. I know some snakes can get hooked on a specific prey item and not want to eat anything else. That's one reason why I'm going to avoid attempting to feed chicks or quail for a while. My thought was that if I can at least get my grey rat snake to eat them, I should be good because hell probably get big enough to require rats.

[EL Ziggy]

If your snakes will eat rats that's what I'd give them. You don't want to have to feed 4-5 mice as opposed to one rat. I'm still hoping mine will take the chicks from time to time :)

[sharthun]

I agree with EZ. Rats are the way to go. Some snakes are picky and then some will eat anything you give them.

[CosmicOwl]

Thanks for the opinions. I think I'll be getting at least a pack of weaned rats with my next order.

[millertime89]

Switch to rats, the sooner you do that the happier you'll be.

[CosmicOwl]

Switch to rats, the sooner you do that the happier you'll be.

Heh, why is that?

[millertime89]

It will be cheaper and easier in the long run. 1 large rat takes less time and money than 4-5 jumbo mice. I'll just use rodentpro's sizes and prices. 1 large rat weighs 225grams (the middle of their size scale) and costs $2 each. 1 XL mouse is about 35 grams (again using RP's weight average) and costs $.80 each. You would need 6 mice at that size to equal the one rat. $.80 x 6=$4.80. Plus the time that it would take since you have to feed, wait for the animal to get it down and then repeat the process, and that's if the snake will even eat more than one or two at a time, I've got one that I'm trying to switch to rabbits but she won't and she won't take more than 3 rats at a time (and usually only eats two) when she should be eating 4-5. Time is money ya know. ;)

[drumcrush]

It will be cheaper and easier in the long run. 1 large rat takes less time and money than 4-5 jumbo mice. I'll just use rodentpro's sizes and prices. 1 large rat weighs 225grams (the middle of their size scale) and costs $2 each. 1 XL mouse is about 35 grams (again using RP's weight average) and costs $.80 each. You would need 6 mice at that size to equal the one rat. $.80 x 6=$4.80. Plus the time that it would take since you have to feed, wait for the animal to get it down and then repeat the process, and that's if the snake will even eat more than one or two at a time, I've got one that I'm trying to switch to rabbits but she won't and she won't take more than 3 rats at a time (and usually only eats two) when she should be eating 4-5. Time is money ya know. ;)

Exactly why I switched.

Ammit also reallyyy loves rats. She downs them like a beast. Like I will dangle them In front of her favorite hide and she will just pounce on them, sometimes it makes me jump lol

[millertime89]

I'm lucky that one of mine loves rabbits like that. She will eat a live rat but is about 50/50 on f/t, dangle a f/t rabbit in front of her face and she gobbles it down every time without fail.

This reminds me, I need to set out food tonight...

[CosmicOwl]

It will be cheaper and easier in the long run. 1 large rat takes less time and money than 4-5 jumbo mice. I'll just use rodentpro's sizes and prices. 1 large rat weighs 225grams (the middle of their size scale) and costs $2 each. 1 XL mouse is about 35 grams (again using RP's weight average) and costs $.80 each. You would need 6 mice at that size to equal the one rat. $.80 x 6=$4.80. Plus the time that it would take since you have to feed, wait for the animal to get it down and then repeat the process, and that's if the snake will even eat more than one or two at a time, I've got one that I'm trying to switch to rabbits but she won't and she won't take more than 3 rats at a time (and usually only eats two) when she should be eating 4-5. Time is money ya know. ;)

I doubt I'll ever need to feed 4-5 mice to anything I currently own. There is a chance my grey rat will get big enough for small rats, but the other two will probably be good on adult mice or weaned rats. My 5 year old corn snake is only 470 grams, so an adult mouse every week-ten days will keep him healthy.

All that being said, the math does suggest that it is a smart idea to buy some rats. I've been tempted to order from rodentpro, because I'm interested in getting some 1 week old quail. However, I've been happy with my orders from Big Cheese(and Ive heard some unpleasant things about RP). What do you guys think?

[sharthun]

I've used rp and just recently switched to big cheese and I am very satisfied with sizing, quality and packaging.



I doubt I'll ever need to feed 4-5 mice to anything I currently own. There is a chance my grey rat will get big enough for small rats, but the other two will probably be good on adult mice or weaned rats. My 5 year old corn snake is only 470 grams, so an adult mouse every week-ten days will keep him healthy.

All that being said, the math does suggest that it is a smart idea to buy some rats. I've been tempted to order from rodentpro, because I'm interested in getting some 1 week old quail. However, I've been happy with my orders from Big Cheese(and Ive heard some unpleasant things about RP). What do you guys think?

[millertime89]

With RP I can order G-Pigs and rabbits otherwise I would probably make the switch to Big Cheese. I've heard nothing but good things from them. Maybe I'll place an order next time I need rats.

[CosmicOwl]

Yeah, I'm not trying to shill or anything, but their they have a nice combination of quality and price. In the orders that I've received, the mice have all been within the advertised size range and appeared very healthy.

[EL Ziggy]

I started out using Layne Labs. They're great but a bit pricey. I tried Rodent Pro and was a little disappointed. Some of the feeders I received were soiled and smelled of urine. I tried Big Cheese for my last feeder order and was very impressed with the size, cleanliness, and packaging of their products. The $29 flat rate shipping special was great too. I don't think they sell quail but I did order some chicks from them in addition to rats and mice. I'll be sticking with Big Cheese for now.

[CosmicOwl]

I placed an order. Got some mice, rats and chicks. I hope they're all enjoyed.

[Obsidian_Dragon]

My friend needs to get snakes so that together, we might own enough pet snakes to make online ordering worth the shipping costs. >.>

[EL Ziggy]

My friend needs to get snakes so that together, we might own enough pet snakes to make online ordering worth the shipping costs. >.>

OD- It is nice to be able to split the shipping costs when ordering in bulk but even with just one or two snakes it's worth it even if you have to go it alone. I'm not sure where you buy your feeders from currently but here's an example. If you bought (50) mice pinks and (50) mice fuzzys from Big Cheese the total including taxes and shipping would be $66.89. If you purchased (16) boxes of (6) pinks/fuzzys at Petsmart at $13 each that's $208. If you have the room to store your feeders then buying in bulk is the only way to go IMHO ;)

[CosmicOwl]

There is always buying from expos too. I just haven't had the chance yet.

[EL Ziggy]

There is always buying from expos too. I just haven't had the chance yet.

Aha, tis true. As long as they're clean and healthy feeders that's probably the best option because you avoid the shipping charges altogether.

[millertime89]

There is always buying from expos too. I just haven't had the chance yet.

If you can find one that rodentpro vends at it can be worth the drive to save on shipping if you need more than one or two boxes. I picked up 5 boxes at an expo, that would have cost me about $150 to ship and it was $40 in gas to get there and back, totally worth it.