2006-11-28 12:47:38 · 16 answers · asked by Genesis A 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Yes, but freshly killed is better for the snake... No wounds to heal... Some will eat fresh killed... Some have to kill... It's a snake thing...
2006-11-28 12:49:47 · answer #1 · answered by KnowhereMan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No way. It is the mercury/fish problem. But here is my brainwashed idea: You may think you are getting clean mice, you can't say for sure what the mice have been eating, even if you think you do. Your post makes it sound like you have already made up your mind, but consider that the breeder mice are not around goat, horse, and chicken droppings as you mentioned yours were. There are a lot of byproducts in the feed that also may not be healthy for your snake. (Fish/mercury argument - a little bit doesn't effect the mouse, but the snake eats a lot of mice, bigger effect.) And yes, unless you are going to take each mouse/rat to the vet you won't know what kind of parasites or infections they might be carrying and they don't necessarily die on freezing. Most don't in a home freezer, the temperature is significantly higher than a blast freezer - this is why home frozen food doesn't do well either. Yes, it is possible to get bad feeders, I switched companies after one bad batch, but now I found a local place that has amazing husbandry practices and I refuse to buy from anywhere else. You can always encounter a bad apple, but that's why good breeders have a large customer base - they do good things. Obviously, you can take the chances it is your snake. But having seen herps die from infections that could have easily been prevented, there is no way I would do this to my herps.
2016-05-22 23:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by AnnaMaria 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the size of the snake. The average rule of thumb is no bigger than the roundest part of the snake's body. Most chickens are going to be too big for a snake. Baby chicks are fed quite often, and live or dead is just what you or the snake prefer. There is a less chance of injury if the prey item is dead, but some snakes will only eat live prey.
One other thing: make sure you feed at least some rats and mice. They are more nutritionally balanced for a snake, and I have heard of problems with feeding just chicks.
2006-11-28 13:07:55 · answer #3 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Chickens might be a little too big, sweetie. What kind of snake is it, is it yours? And how young is the chicken?
I'm sorry I can't provide you with more helpful information, but I think it depends.
2006-11-28 12:51:47 · answer #4 · answered by staplers_attack 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People do it, but I'd be concerned about the risk of harm to the snake, from a chicken fighting back.
Might not be worth the risk.
2006-11-28 12:49:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it depends on the snake, if the snake is small how can they eat the chicken that is bigger than them.
2006-11-28 12:50:00 · answer #6 · answered by balt 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe that snakes should be fed live prey. It's dangerous for the snake and cruel for the dinner.
2006-11-28 14:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the snake is big enough they should be able to eat whatever
2006-11-28 12:49:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the snake is large enough yes...this would be an acceptable meal for say a medium to large size boa, python or anaconda...
2006-11-28 12:50:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well I think the chickens might have a problem with it.
2006-11-28 12:51:12 · answer #10 · answered by momoffour 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋