f/t or live - Page 3

theapexgerman · 03-31-12, 02:05 PM

I've always feed live ever since I got my first snake long time ago instead of the OP stressing out just feed live less stress for him and his snake

Snakefood · 03-31-12, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

I've always feed live ever since I got my first snake long time ago instead of the OP stressing out just feed live less stress for him and his snake

Except the OP stated a clear desire to switch the snake over. SO... if the snake will switch, then we are giving the OP ways of doing it.

exwizard · 03-31-12, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

Except the OP stated a clear desire to switch the snake over. SO... if the snake will switch, then we are giving the OP ways of doing it.

^^^^agreed^^^^

theapexgerman · 03-31-12, 02:13 PM

if an snake that old been feed live all its life its most likely isn't going to switch

alessia55 · 03-31-12, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

if an snake that old been feed live all its life its most likely isn't going to switch

This is NOT true. I know two people who switched their ball pythons over from live to f/t when the snakes were 10 and 11 yrs old.

exwizard · 03-31-12, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snakeman100

hi i have a ball 5 years old he eats live but i want to switch him is that posable ?????????????

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

if an snake that old been feed live all its life its most likely isn't going to switch

Im not saying that it definitely is not possible, I am saying if thats snakman100s desire to make that switch, its worth the effort. Other members are offering ways to do it and what to expect and that should be applauded because its sound advice.

Im sorry if that disappoints you Apex esp since I am a live feeder, but my objective here is to answer directly the questions asked with relevant answers and not turn this into a live vs f/t debate.

alessia55 · 03-31-12, 02:21 PM

OP, if you see this, check back on page 2 for some methods to switch your snake to eating f/t rats.

theapexgerman · 03-31-12, 02:22 PM

All the advice is giving is really good but up to the OP and he's been giving the ways so now its up to him I'm still put my money on the snake won't eat F/T

exwizard · 03-31-12, 02:25 PM

Im not denying the possibility but its still worth the effort if thats his desire.

Squirtle · 03-31-12, 02:35 PM

I feed live to both of my snakes, but you must be there at ALL times. They will eat frozen thawed but to me, live is less of a hassle.

CK SandBoas · 03-31-12, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

if an snake that old been feed live all its life its most likely isn't going to switch

That is definitely not true. All my snakes, other than the Kenyans i've had born under my care, were all exclusively live feeders when i acquired them, including my Royal. Maybe i was lucky, but all of them took f/t immediately as their first meal in my care. To me, if the OP wants to switch him over to F/T, than we as experienced keepers should offer him whatever advice and support we can to help him through the process of getting his snake switched over

Gungirl · 03-31-12, 02:47 PM

Wow.. All I know is I am getting really tired of you Apex.. your way or no way. Between feeding live ,Dumerils Boa's and milk snakes you really have your head up your butt.. ffs.

OP, Try it for a few weeks and if you have no luck just let your snake eat live. I have seen some change over and others won't but it is worth a shot.

mykee · 03-31-12, 02:50 PM

Lol, it was not my intention to start a debate about who knows what, I may have mispoken.
It's not that I know more than anyone, it's that I've had a LOT of experience with feeding live. I've easily fed 10,000 live rodents in my time in the hobby so I feel I can speak from experience on the topic.
It seems to me that most of the people who advocate NON live feeding (not to be confused with those who advocate f/t feeding) are those that are never fed live. These are the people who saw a picture of a video once of a half-eaten snake (same two pictures have been circulating for years; one ball and one boa) and have taken it into their mind that a snake should never eat live under any circumstances.
This is BS.
Then there are the meatheads like Apex who feed live because it gives them a chubby to watch animals die at their hands; (this type also tends to own a lot of guns and love hunting). These are the guys who feed live for themselves even though their snakes will happily take f/t or f/k.
Entirely different breed and one I'm not going to get into in this thread.

I have about a dozen snakes in my collection that currently eat live and that's the way it's going to be until they die (their choice, not mine).
I've tried the whole starving 'till they give in method (it doesn't work). Hell, I've pretty much tried it all the half-cocked old wives tales you've heard on here in my first few years.
The best method that I have found to work is this: feed a smaller than normal live rodent. When half the tail in down, offer a second, smaller than normal f/t rodent. If the snake takes the second item, do this for half dozen or so more feedings. Then try just the f/t rodent.
Works most of the time.

Edit: I forgot to add that HEAT is the key for getting anything to eat. I mean HOT, not warm or tepid; HOT. The hotter your food item, the better heat signature the item gives off and the more scent to food item gives off. Rinse your already thawed, warm rat under the hottest tap water you have got for 10-15 seconds. Get that sucker hot. Damp dry with a paper towel and serve very hot and almost dripping wet. BAM!!!

KORBIN5895 · 03-31-12, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakefood

I can't really say whether I like them or not as I have never met either, and people tend to go further on-line than in person. Either or both could be very nice, caring people in person.

What I can say is that in my opinion, they cross too many `social lines and show alot of disrespect and a lack of compassion, which I don`t personally agree with.

I personally think they are great guys that get a kick out of people's reactions. They have both been patient, kind and help when I have asked questions.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattchibi

Lets deviate from the debating and arguing about this... The OP was simply asking if he could switch from live to f/t and probably wanted a method on how to do it, no need for a debate. Dont we all understand by now that both methods are completely, or should I say 99.9% safe, as long as done correctly? Ive seen this debate far too many times and its not like its ever resolved.. a pointless discussion imo if you already know the facts.

Risking eye loss is never safe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

Easy don't switch leave it as its always been fed and if he can't get live just do fresh killed or f/t and if now then keep trying

If he can't get live how the heck is he supposed to get fresh killed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by theapexgerman

if an snake that old been feed live all its life its most likely isn't going to switch

My royal ate live for six years and took frozen first try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squirtle

I feed live to both of my snakes, but you must be there at ALL times. They will eat frozen thawed but to me, live is less of a hassle.

How is it less of a hassle to go get live feeders from the store as opposed to getting a frozen from the freezer?

theapexgerman · 03-31-12, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gungirl

Wow.. All I know is I am getting really tired of you Apex.. your way or no way. Between feeding live ,Dumerils Boa's and milk snakes you really have your head up your butt.. ffs.

OP, Try it for a few weeks and if you have no luck just let your snake eat live. I have seen some change over and others won't but it is worth a shot.

Lol then block me