Reptile & Amphibian Forums

just curious. i heard some folks feed them little garters for fun. does anyone ever do this? i see garters/ribbon snakes for around 15 bucks in stores, are they much cheaper at reptile expos(like the SD IRBA)?

i wanna see it happen, i like watching things eat, lolz
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Monty - The Ball Python

I have but I don't recommend it. It increases the danger of possible disease contamination from the food animal. aside from that, rodent prey is a better food for them.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

I can understand reluctance about feeding reptiles, since this will increase risk of parasites. (However, one can treat internal parasites with medication to manage that risk.)

Would I be happy with ALWAYS just one type of food? Especially frozen, then thawed? Nope. I'd want variety - just like every creature does when they can choose.

Why do you feel that rodents are better food? Aside from the variety issue, some subspecies of Kingsnakes (especially Gray Banded and mountain varieties) usually feed on lizards or snakes, and only occasionally take rodents.

Also, in the wild, snakes will always choose a Pocket Gopher, Deer Mouse, Kangaroo Rat or other rodent over a House Mouse.

Let's keep all this in mind as we feed. Knowing that we would NEVER be happy with just one food type ourselves...

I have a small freezer collection that I will use to get certain hatchlings to feed when they won't take pinks. Other than that, no, it is much more convenient feeding rodents.
dave b