Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Most all my snakes take both, I have one that will only take live for now, but I hope to have her back on P/K soon.

So what, if any, is the difference between F/T and P/K ? Does freezing them help with bacteria or something around those lines?

It seems to me the main reason to feed F/T is so the snake does not get bit, But wouldn't P/K do the same?

Is it just so you don't have to whack a rat? I do understand some people don't like to do taht.

I just don't see any difference, but I could be missing some thing.

Have a good day!

Freezing has been known to kill certains types of parasitic organisms, however, there is very little data to show that feeding freshly killed rats is a detriment; I've know some long term burms (over 25 years of age) who have fed on nothing but road kill!...personally, I wouldn't chance that. In fact, a freshly killed rat probably has more nutrition as the freezing process can break down certain vitamins. Whatever is most convenient for you is acceptable as long as you get your rodents from a quality source; that is probably the most important consideration. I have been feeding f/t rodents to my burms for many years and have never had any problems but do supplement this prey with periodic vitamins to make up for any deficiencies. Hope this helps.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Most all my snakes take both, I have one that will only take live for now, but I hope to have her back on P/K soon.
>>
>>So what, if any, is the difference between F/T and P/K ? Does freezing them help with bacteria or something around those lines?
>>
>>It seems to me the main reason to feed F/T is so the snake does not get bit, But wouldn't P/K do the same?
>>
>>Is it just so you don't have to whack a rat? I do understand some people don't like to do taht.
>>
>>I just don't see any difference, but I could be missing some thing.
>>
>>Have a good day!
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

Thanks Rob.

I get my rats from the best source I can, me. After getting tired of paying $40-$50 a week for feeders I started to breed rats. I still buy rabbits for the bigger burms and retics, but at least I can save some cash on the rats. When I move in a few weeks I'm hoping to get a place big enough to start breeding rabbits.

I dont see any differnce..other than having to wait for somthing to thaw.

I personally think the biggest factor between the two is convenience. IT is much easier to "house" 20 frozen rats then live ones. You do not have to worry about trying to breed them and everything and they can be delivered to your door. Todd

That is a very good point!!

I love breeding rats, but it can be some work, takes a lot of room, and time.

But it is fun,

Have a good day!

I'd personally rather raise my own rats than buy frozen..i hate waiting for them to thaw...pinks and fuzzies arent bad but waiting for a jumbo rat to thaw drives me nuts...LOL