A story to help with your decision

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Posted by bcornett on September 20, 2002 at 06:43:29:

In Reply to: Re: how do I get my new everglade rat snake to eat live mice posted by duffy on September 19, 2002 at 15:41:36:

I had a ball python once (I know, not a rat snake) and had trouble feeding it. Balls are notorious for the winter fasting, but this one went way too long without, so I experimented. I put the snake in a rubbermaid with a live mouse, and the mouse was no him like gangbusters! It showed no fear of the snake and went right for his tail--nibble, nibble--so I had to remove the snake right away. It put him into a defensive/ball mode, not a feeding mode. I've never offered any of my snakes (rat snake included) live prey after that. It was too stressfull for both of us.

A hint--using tongs with a frozen/thawed mouse will elicit a strike response. It's fun to watch, and safer than live prey. Just don't do it every feeding or the snake will begin to associate your hand-reach with FOOD. :-)

Good luck!

-Brandon

:You just bought it? How long ago? How many times have you fed it f/t (which it was raised on)? Since it seems that you have a new snake, you might want to concentrate on letting it settle in before making any such changes. Also, are you aware that there are all kinds of reasons to feed f/t and they seem to far outweigh the live kill option? Just be aware, that there is always a chance of injury to the snake when feeding live. I would assume that goes double for an "inexperienced" snake like yours. If what you want is the "thrill of the kill" ... I won't try to argue with you, but your snake would probably be better off sticking to what he has been raised on. If you go for additional snakes in the future, you may choose to purchase one from a breeder who has some that are eating live rodents. Some breeders will feed live to their reluctant young feeders, and a few never seem to make the transition. You may even get a good deal, as some folks might be hesitant to buy a snake which has not made the transition to f/t. Good luck. Educate yourself on the relative advantages and disadvantages...and make a decision that is good for your snake (not just for entertainment purposes)... Duffy

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::I just bought an everglade rat snake that was raised eating f/t mice....how do i get him to eat a live mouse? he bites the mouse with a very pethetic strike and he doent latch on. I want to fead him a frozen/thawed mouse on sundays and a live mouse on wednesday , how do i get him to kill

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