to Brian, Tango, Meretseger and Carmichael for discussing this with me in such an objective manner. This is something I have done in the past, but do not do now. I can afford to feed my snakes captive raised animals, and have for the last 12 years. However, in about 5 feedings out of hundreds (three squirrels, one rabbit and one bird), and none recently, I used prey procured from nature. My animals never suffered any ill effects at all, but it is not something that I did with any regularity and I would only do it today as a last resort if I had a snake that wouldn't eat captive bred rodents (such as with what Brian discussed). This was just something that I wanted to discuss with other herpers. I go to great lengths to make sure my snakes are happy and healthy, and would never do anything knowingly that would put my snakes (or the general public) in any danger. I am greatly in favor of responsible herping, and that includes feeding.

Thanks again for discussing this with me. I just wanted to see if others had had any experience with this practice, and what the outcomes were. Thanks again for the discussion. I enjoyed it -- the good and the bad!

RP

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