Feeding live to a F/T trained snake

pdomensis · 12-06-12, 10:30 AM

I'd like to know thoughts on giving an occasional live mouse or rat to a snake trained to take frozen/thawed food. Does anyone have experience with this and if it will "undo" the training?

cheers.

infernalis · 12-06-12, 11:19 AM

This is like taking a step backward.

Please don't.

**lady_bug87** · 12-06-12, 11:22 AM

If you have no intention of feeding live permanently, then there is no reason to give the snake anything but f/t.

If a keeper did it a few times I would wonder why

MoreliAddict · 12-06-12, 12:09 PM

If the snake is taking f/t there is NO reason for live.

Nothing good can come of it.

Don't do it..

Lankyrob · 12-06-12, 12:12 PM

Agree with all the above, but would like to know why you would even consider it?

**lady_bug87** · 12-06-12, 12:13 PM

^^that was my question too Rob, the only reason I can think of are unethical ones. Like showing someone a snake eating a live rat or something for fun

Nikki1984 · 12-06-12, 12:33 PM

Don't do it. For some like FWC they are pretty much garbage disposals and are just happy to get food. However with most snakes, as stated, you will be taking step back.

One of my Crotes only takes live and a few months back wanted nothing to do with a live fuzzy. I fed it to my California King not thinking much of it and now am on month number four trying to get her to accept F/T again.

pdomensis · 12-06-12, 02:22 PM

Thanks for the info. for all of you wondering why I would consider it, I live on a farm with an (almost) endless supply of mice. I would actually prefer to use live and only supplement with frozen when they become scarce.

Gungirl · 12-06-12, 02:38 PM

Are you wanting to feed wild mice to your snake?

dinosaurdammit · 12-06-12, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdomensis

Thanks for the info. for all of you wondering why I would consider it, I live on a farm with an (almost) endless supply of mice. I would actually prefer to use live and only supplement with frozen when they become scarce.

If you are using wild mice beware of their contagions. Also if you HAVE to get live, prekill them. Here is how to kill your mice- provided they arnt wild. Dont take a chance- get F/T from your local supplier your snake will thank you.

**Aaron_S** · 12-07-12, 10:48 PM

I have some snakes that eat live. Some will refuse so I'll offer to a garbage can ball python. Happily take the extra meal for the week.

Wyldrose · 12-08-12, 12:06 AM

Feeding wild mice is the best way to give your snake some nasty parasites, tapeworm, roundworms etc. I had someone ask me if they can and I looked up the Vet bills to deworm a snake and its anywhere from $100-$200 depending on the parasites. You'll need a fecal test done to determine the type, the proper dose done 2x and then if your snake stopped eating you will have to get it eating again.

I purchased a cornsnake full of roundworms, it took 2 dewormings and 4 months to get her eating again on her own. It's not worth the risk at all!

jarich · 12-09-12, 03:41 PM

I think the more worrying issue would be YOU dealing with wild mice, not your reptile. You live in Idaho, right? A state with known cases of hantavirus, which wild mice carry. Not a pretty disease for you and your family to get simply because you want to save a few bucks on reptile food.

infernalis · 12-09-12, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I have some snakes that eat live. Some will refuse so I'll offer to a garbage can ball python. Happily take the extra meal for the week.

I have one of those.

Our (normal) BP will eat anything, dead or alive, as long as it smells like rodent. Had him 5+ years, never refused to eat yet.

Akuma223 · 12-09-12, 05:28 PM

I got so lucky with my ball python. I got her from petco a year ago and she has never missed a feeding. Before my monitor ate pinkies I would give them to her after he refused.