This is one of those situations where it's a "predator/prey" scenario. The way in which a constrictor kills its prey isn't the fastest nor the least painful.

As for the mouse, its tail was not "cut off" or in anyway brutally mutilated. Rather a small cut was made so that the mouse would be somewhat irritated. In fact, the bleeding stopped long before the snake captured the mouse.

I raise livestock and try my best to bring about the least amount of pain when "putting down" food animals. I am not sadistic in nature, and do not wish to bring unnecessary pain or harm to any animal.

However, I chose to keep a snake as a pet, and I do realize that when they are young, snakes will require live prey. I'm not all that familiar with boa behavior, even though it may be somewhat familiar to colubrid behavior. True, I could've went faster and had her converted sooner to rats and eventually f/t. But keep in mind this is a snake that was lost for 6 days thanks to UPS, and brought home to a novice owner. Compared to other stories about young snakes and novice owners, I consider myself lucky that not only is the snake eating on a regular basis, but that she has overcome her shyness so quickly.

I appreciate any advice given and have tried my best to use such advice when it seemed appropriate. Some things I will miss or fail to do correctly. All I can do is try my best to keep the snake well fed, free from injury, and provide her with an environment that discourages disease and malnutrition. I'm terribly sorry if the mouse appeared to be needlessly injured, but I wouldn't imagine that the snake was any kinder.

Next week I will make a first attempt at feeding dead prey, but bare with me if the process seems slower than necessary.

Thank you for all of your help.

Sesha

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