I feed live and have never once had a rat bite or harm my snakes. I had one get scratched by claws, but all it did was put a few freckle marks on her scales (albino) that you wouldn't have seen on a normal. No blood or damage. I don't feed anything larger than a small rat -- my larger ball pythons just get more than one.

As for how long to leave it in with the snake, 40 minutes is absurd. I've never left it in longer than 10 minutes. If the snake is hungry, it will eat it within that time frame. Otherwise it isn't going to take it. For some of the more shy/picky ones, drop the prey in and then turn off all lights and leave the room. Sometimes they just need the dark. For the couple I have that require this, I just stay outside the doorway and listen for the strike.

Good luck!
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

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