Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay...

I have a burm and where I just moved the only places to get rats are the corporate stores that sell large rats that are really like small rats for $6-$8 a pop... seeing that I have a rather large burm I need to get these cheaper... is frozen the way to go? I saw rodentpro but I've never fed him frozen/ prekilled food only live so I really don't want to buy bulk to reduce shipping...

Any suggestions?

Rodentpro is world-class in service, quality, and pricing. I would definatley recommend them. I'm severely disappointed people still feed live.... It's irresponsible, dangerous, and not to mention PETA uses it against us in their retarded campaigns. If you havent realized why not to feed live, check out the picture below. That snake was attacked by a MOUSE (rats will do much worse) when the owner left to go to the bathroom or some other such thing. I dont know why people still prefer it anyway, frozen is safer, cheaper, and much more convienent. once your burm reaches a certain *ahem* size, youll need much more then rats and rabbits. Pigs, goats, and chickens will come later. You can get them from livestock auctions, etc for dirt cheap. Also, read the section in this FAQ (http://proexotics.com/FAQ2.html#3) about feeding live rodents. You should only need them if the snake will ABSOLUTLEY not eat thawed. That FAQ will also give you tips as to how to make the switch from live to f/t, but most people dont have trouble with it. Cheers, and good luck with your burm!

Just curious. Must have taken one long bathroom break for a mouse to do that.
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

obviously that rodent was left in with that snake at the very least overnight, most likely alot longer if one mouse did that.
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

I agree with Rottenweiler in that for that snake to receive that many injuries from it's mouse it took a long time. I'd be willing to be at leat 30 minutes, maybe even an hour.

I still feed live with a couple of my snakes as they refuse f/t's and have since they were babies. I don't like it but I do it.

If you are going to feed life (here comes the speech) be smart about it! Drop the rodent in and step back and observe. For me if they don't snag it within 5 mins (my watch the whole time) I remove the rodent and give it to someone else.

You could also try pre-killed.
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Christine
Tails With Scales Reptiles
Looks, brains, and venom . . . . how do I stay single?

It's my understanding that the mouse was left in over night. THAT'S a big mistake, and extremely irresponssible, with any live prey item. Also I agree, with burms the feeding response is usually great enough that this wouldn't have time to happen. If you don't have the time to monitor your feedings then F/T or P/K is the way to go.

Quig
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Don't interupt me when I'm talkin' to myself

omg! That's horrible, Do you mind If I save this picture and refer to it as education when people ask why to stay away from live feed? I always feed frozen thawed but people always ask me why I can't just get him a mouse from the store instead, now I have photographic proof of the damage. How horrific! The poor babe.

Burms have a strong feeding response. It is rare that you will not find one that will not eat frozen. Buy a frozen one now from the pet store. Put it in a plastic bag, put the bag in warm water and then dangle that thawed little guy in front of him and it will be gone. Or just drop it in and leave it. I thought I always had to make the rat dance for mine to eat but one day I drop it and her head was by the door and she was hungry so I just left it in for awhile and came back to find it gone. Now thats all I have to do with all my snakes.
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0.2 Rotts
1.0 Super Tiger
1.0 Amel Retic
0.1 Ball Python
0.1 Red Tail
0.1 Blood Python
1.0 Green Ananconda
1.0 Emerald Tree Boa

one of my retics eats out of a large dog bowl lol!!! drop and go! (yes inside enclosure)
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research