Ethics in snakekeeping

[Linds]

Roy,
That wasn't at all what I was speaking of in my post. To put it short and sweet... nature made it so animals live off other animals. If someone wanted to argue that it wasn't right to raise animals to feed to other animals, then they have no right keeping so much as a fruit fly captive. Obviously, I'm so far removed from that PETA way of thinking, and really when you think about it, many captive animals, both intended as pets, 'breeder commodity', and feeders, often live a far better 'quality' if you want to call it. They don't have anyone painlessly euthanizing sick or prey animals, fixing injuries, making the conditions ideal 24/7, providing them consistent access to food and water, etc.

I never said it was a kick to nature's face to interfere, I was saying that we cannot be here without interfering, and ignoring that fact or thinking we can exist without interfering, is pretty ridiculous. Life feeds off other life, regardless of environment. Additionally, I wasn't speaking of survival of the fittest, as we have no doubt taken that away, and mostly put that on to anything we keep captive. Jus tsimply stating nature made it so life feeds of life. It wouldn't be a matter of whether or not it would be ethical to feed these animals, it would be whether or not it was ethical to keep them period. You can't skip past the intial matter of keeping them captive and go straight to arguing about feeding :flick:

crono_vivi,
Well those are my thoughts on the situations. You might've guessed I have no problems with keeping animals captive or feeding them :flick: I have a large collection of reptiles and raise my own feeders for them. I raise my feeders to ensure quality and save money, but I also love rats as well and keep three as pets. I'm confident all my animals, whether reptilian, amphibian, or mammalian - feeders or pets, are living their lives in the highest quality I can offer them

[crono_vivi]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm thinking about getting one, a Cali King.

BTW, I am NOT a vegatarian. In fact, I can't stand them, lol.

[spidergecko]

Originally posted by crono_vivi
BTW, I am NOT a vegatarian. In fact, I can't stand them, lol.

I hope you never have to change your diet for health reasons. You may end up hating yourself.

[Nicky]

EDIT: Deleted my post as it was disrespectful to crono and his viewpoints.

[crono_vivi]

"I suppose you disagree with gay marraiges and every other culture besides your own. what was the point of stating that fact to put others down? "

I do disagree with gay marriages, I'm catholic.

And why would I not like other cultures??

[D J N]

It's not an ethical situation to me, it's a biological one. Snakes are carnivorous so until there is an alternative, cute food it has too be. I mean dog and cats have been domesticated for thousands upon thousands of years so we have had the time to come up with alternatives to red meat because don't forget they are both also carniverous.

[Linds]

Originally posted by D J N
Snakes are carnivorous so until there is an alternative, cute food it has too be. I mean dog and cats have been domesticated for thousands upon thousands of years so we have had the time to come up with alternatives to red meat because don't forget they are both also carniverous.

Animals that are fed those so-called 'alternatives' end up suffering from variety of problems down the road. While the levels are adequate, the formulation isn't even close, and as such, the animals eventually experience problems such as cancer, growths, allergies, organ dysfunction, shortened lifespan, digestive problems, vision problems, etc. I mean, people have even tried making snake sausages out of the very food snakes eat anyways, and it has been highly unsuccessful. We need to stick to the food they have evolved to eat, instead of trying to change things up to suit a lesser purpose IMHO

[Linds]

Originally posted by Nicky
I suppose you disagree with gay marraiges and every other culture besides your own.

Originally posted by crono_vivi

I do disagree with gay marriages, I'm catholic.

This conversation has to end here. Please be respectful of others and refrain from political/religious discussion (refer to the posting rules for more info).

[Double J]

I can't believe this has gone on this long. Please mods, lock up this thread. Too many toes have been stepped on already, and the thread has gotten way of topic. I am sure we have number of homosexual and/or vegetarian members who may think twice about posting here again amongst this childishness.

[HeatherRose]

I think this thread has been a great thread for discussion and learning purposes. There's been no flaming nor has anything gotten out of control, so so far it will remain open. The above people can have their opinions, as there's nothing wrong with having an opinion whether it be 'right or wrong' according to the rest of us. However as Linds said that is where that particular discussion will end as it isn't in accordance with the discussion rules and will start arguments.

[Nicky]

ok sorry didn't mean to start anything up,Crono I ment to say lifestyles not cultures sorry. I respect your viewpoint but I don't think adding in "in fact I can't stand them" was nessacary.I didn't mean to jump down your throat but hasn't been the best week... as for the original discussion I agree that it is natures way, this has been a great thread so far.

[D J N]

I guess ya missed my point about the snake sausages Linds lol I was saying that unlike cats and dogs who have been domesticated for centuries we have not yet come up with a suitable alternative to feeidng mice and so on.

[crono_vivi]

It's okay Nicky, I respect your opinion as well. I just didn't want people think I'm racist or anything, you know how touchy that subject is.

Back on topic; I see your point, it is nature's way, and I never thought about how Cats are the same way, except they kill their prey more brutally! Thanks for input you guys, this was just what I needed.

[Linds]

Originally posted by D J N
I guess ya missed my point about the snake sausages Linds lol I was saying that unlike cats and dogs who have been domesticated for centuries we have not yet come up with a suitable alternative to feeidng mice and so on.

I was just saying that the vast majority of those 'alternatives' for cats and dogs, aren't really that suitable either

Originally posted by crono_vivi
I see your point, it is nature's way, and I never thought about how Cats are the same way, except they kill their prey more brutally!

Hahaha you can say that... and the smaller, more domesticated cats have a tendancy to play with it for a while first.. er torture