$$ for rat

[Serenity]

I'm not a boa owner nor will I ever be just because of the cost of thier care. But I am a pet rat owner so I guess my opinion is a little biased.

But my understanding is that it is dangerous to feed live mice or rats or any other animal to a snake as the snake as well as the rat could become severely injured and the snake could become sick. Some people say that some snakes won't eat things that are already dead but i'm personally not convinced. I think snakes can become accustomed to food that has be previously and humanely killed for food.

There's also alot of ethical issues with breeding rats for the sole purpose of snake food. Rats are extremely complicated to take care of. The often suffer from Upper Respitory infections and other illnesses that could be harmful to a snake.

I"m not just saying these things because the thought of feeding a live rat to a snake makes me cringe. You have to consider the well being of all the animals involved even the feeder animal.

[adamanteus]

I'm not a boa owner nor will I ever be just because of the cost of thier care. But I am a pet rat owner so I guess my opinion is a little biased.

But my understanding is that it is dangerous to feed live mice or rats or any other animal to a snake as the snake as well as the rat could become severely injured and the snake could become sick. Some people say that some snakes won't eat things that are already dead but i'm personally not convinced. I think snakes can become accustomed to food that has be previously and humanely killed for food.

There's also alot of ethical issues with breeding rats for the sole purpose of snake food. Rats are extremely complicated to take care of. The often suffer from Upper Respitory infections and other illnesses that could be harmful to a snake.

I"m not just saying these things because the thought of feeding a live rat to a snake makes me cringe. You have to consider the well being of all the animals involved even the feeder animal.

Some very good points there, Bethany. I have always found that most snakes can quite easily be weaned onto dead prey. I don't agree with the practice of feeding live animals unless it's absolutely necessary, although I know there are people who do this as a matter of routine.

As for breeding rats for the sole purpose of snake food, I can't see why that would be a problem. As long as the animals are properly cared for while they are being raised.