Feeding Technique(introducing Prey)

[KORBIN5895]

Personally I think your answer is a very good idea. It's simple and easily implemented. You are right. Your solution totally proves his lack of experience. If he had years of experience he would have know to do that when feeding live. Thanks for pointing that out Gary.

[shaunyboy]

Originally Posted by exwizard

I've been following this thread and I observed a few things. First off, the OP asked for specific advice on how to feed large snakes with live prey. He also asked that this not turn into an argument over live vs. F/t. Yet the very next poster advised him against live. This is why I was prompted to answer his question directly. Then most of the following replies proceeded to beat the f/t drum. This is why people are so hesitant to ask questions to begin with. Just wanted to point this out. This is not the first time this has happened. IMO, People should not be made to feel like they have to defend themselves just because they choose to feed live.

i honestly cannot see one post in this thread condeming,or being impolite to the op

when i advise people on live feeding,i always state right from the start...

" i have NO moral issues with feeding live ",imo that lets them know,they have NO need to defend feeding live mate

i only ever suggest that FT is a safer way to do things,as a dead prey item cannot bite/scratch a lump out a snake

i was merely pointing out the cons of live feeding...

if people want to live feed,then so be it

cheers shaun

[exwizard]

I wasn't aiming specifically at you Shaun. All I was stating was the OP asked a question about how to feed a large snake with live prey. Instead of simply answering the question, he got deluged with f/t arguments even though he already made up his mind. I know the prevailing opinion on this forum and I'm OK with that. I just have a problem with the aggressiveness in the way people try to change others. To me, its strikes as judgmental.

[ReticMan123]

Thanks again ex wizard... I read on and see people saying " if he had years of experience he wouldn't ask this question" your right next time I wont ask a question because some people have nothing better to do than to bash others. If I had no experience I would not have a beautiful thriving reticulated python who is puppy tame and a joy to have as a pet. Not to mention many I have had in the past and have never had a problem with feeding live. And I do not leave a rat inside a hide with the snake ever. If I dont hear immediate attack the hide is lifted up. Anyways those who have negative things to say please go somewhere else I no longer want you part of my thread. Anyway back to whats important....I fed him just now....What I did is remove aLL HIDES AND furniture from his cage. then introduced the rat its been a half hour sofar and the rat is just sitting there as well as my retic..IM watching tv in his room keeping an eye on him but im hoping he goes after him soon. Id like to do this from now on. Remove all his furniture , then leave him alone for 15 mins let him get ready then introduce the prey. That way he gets the hint that once the hides go away its feeding time. Now whenm I go to handle him I tap him first and immediately pick him up...So thats the difference between the two... I will let everyone know what happens I hope he etas soon I really dont want him to go off feed again hes been doing so well. I think I am stressing him out trying to many different teqniques

[KORBIN5895]

Dollars to donuts says that snakes loses an eye before you can clear your chair.

[Metalserpent]

I have a few years experience with retics. Been advised by some of the top breeders in the US. The best feeding method I have fround is a F/t meal shaken in front of them served warm at about 95 F. Some tics just don't go for dead meals though. Only you know what yours likes. If your choice of live feeding is out of neccesity then do what you need to. Once your tic gets to 12 foot or so the rats will get expensive at 7-8 rats per meal. A good friend has an 18 footer that must have live food. From what I have seen the live rabbit gets hit so hard and fast that there is not time for any defense on the rabbit's part. As for furniture. I don't put anything in the cage but food, a water bowl, and newspaper. But that's your choice. Furniture just gets crapped and pissed on. Retics are creatures of habit and are smarter than most other species. Some folks will tell you to put the snake in another container to feed. Try that with a big retic in food mode. You will bleed.

[exwizard]

Makes sense to me on all counts!

[Little Wise Owl]

Originally Posted by ZStone

Rabbits can kick hard enough to kill a snake of that size?

Rabbits can kick hard enough to break their own backs... Not to mention they have insanely sharp claws.

[ReticMan123]

" try that with a big snake in feed mode, you will BLEED' Lmao I love that comment. Well since my retic is a young one I like to provide him with hides at least until they hit the 1 year mark.