Re: About the feeding thing ...

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Posted by Mark_and_Aimee on December 15, 2002 at 11:57:50:

In Reply to: Re: About the feeding thing ... posted by duffy on December 15, 2002 at 06:43:46:

At a herp show, I trust NO ONE unless I have been to their house or breeding facility.

If you are buying hatchling colubrids, you are taking a risk. Get feeding records if you don't want to see it eat. Get a written guarantee. Get whatever you need. Yes, this advice is aimed at beginners, because those are the people who are going to have a hard time with a non-feeding snake.

As far as asking to see it eat - My statement is this: "If it eats, I will buy it". Not "I'm interested if it eats". I once bought a hatchling Blood Python after seeing it eat for me... And drove home 2 hrs with it on the passenger seat of my car in a large deli cup.

Everyone has their preferences, and some things work better for others. That's great!

Mark

:I agree. I want to buy a snake that has NOT eaten in several days. I see folks feeding snakes at reptile shows all the time and worry about regurge. Obviously, you want to know that the snake eats. With a hatchling, you need to be able to trust the dealer. With a slightly older snake, I look for "fat & sassy" ... well, not really "fat"...but you know.

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:::If anyone claims their snakes are eating, ask them what they are eating, and at what frequency. They should be able to answer this with no hesitation. They should also have food handy, and should be able to feed that snake on the spot for you. If it eats, buy it.
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::So often, I see this advice. I have to wonder about this, though. If everyone that is interested in buying a snake asks to see that it feeds, won't it get full and refuse any more? I also have to wonder about the wisdonm of feeding a snake that is going to immediately be travelling. Surely, if it is traveling, it will do so much better with an empty belly!

::I wouldn't ship an animal that had just been fed, and I wouldn't expect anyone to ship me an animal in that state. I also don't even try to feed them for at least 48 hours after their travel is completed (I did feed after 24 hours when I was a newbie, but now I feel that being patient is the wisest course).

::Tricia

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