I'm about to get my first reptile - a cornsnake, which I've heard is the best place to start as far as snakes go. I've heard from a lot of places that its best to feed them pre-killed mice which you buy frozen & then thaw out. But what about feeding it live mice? It would seem to me that a snake would be happier with a live mice since I believe that that instinct to prey on live animals for food would still be within him/her. What about feeding pre-killed mice for the most part - but once in awhile throw in a live mouse? If a snake got used to live food - would it then be impossible for it to ever go back to pre-killed food? Thanks!
2006-12-14 05:31:08 · 16 answers · asked by captain2man 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Feed what your snake will eat and what is most convenient for you.
There are pros and cons to both frozen/thawed and live rodents. Live rodents can bite back and if your snake doesn't eat it, you will be stuck with a live mouse for a week. On the other hand, feeding responses seem to be better with live prey, and you are always assured that your snake will have a fresh meal. If you plan on feeding live, do it RESPONSIBLY by feeding a smaller rodent that won't fight back (a mouse hopper or rat pup), and/or monitor your snake constantly after introducing the mouse. Also, do not keep it in the cage with your snake longer than 10-15 minutes. If your snake hasn't shown interest by then, take it out and try again in a week.
Frozen/thawed rodents are convenient because you can keep a large stock of them in your freezer, and they are also cheaper than live because you can purchase them in bulk. You can also keep different sizes available so your snake will always have an appropriate sized meal. However, if you don't thaw it out enough or if you thaw it out wrong (microwave), you can end up killing your snake.
You will hear a lot of debate from both sides as this seems to be a passionate issue with a lot of snake keepers. However, in the end you should do what is best for your snake and most convenient for you.
Good luck!
2006-12-14 07:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by xyz_gd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
You should feed it the pre-killed mice only. With live mice, there is the possibility that the mouse will bite or scratch your snake and cause an infection. Also, feeding it pre-killed mice will ensure your snake will not contract any illness from a mouse.
Pre-killed mice are cost effective as well.
And, you should not go between live and dead mice or your snake will get a preference to the live and will not eat the dead.
I hope that helps!
2006-12-14 05:37:11 · answer #2 · answered by ScoobyDoo2006 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i think it is easier to feed them on pre -killed because some mice will attack the snake and some will even Kill it. most snakes are happier to be fed live mice but you have to think that if your snake isn't hungry the mouse could attack and injure your snake and also if you were to feed both kinds then he/she might want to just eat live mice and then you will have a problem because you can't start feeding it pre-killed again because it will refuse it.if you were to feed your new snake Pre-killed mice then to make the mouse look like it is alive, you could pick it up with tweezers and wiggle it about so the snake will try and grab it.
2006-12-14 07:55:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you have a baby corn snake you can feed live day old pinkies. When your snake gets larger you will want to switch to prekilled prey, that way when you have mice old enough to fight back they will be stunned and won't be able to. Snakes have the instinct to kill so even if it is dead or stunned it will still attack and bite.
What you do want to do is feed your snake in a separate box so it doesn't connect your hand with food. If you start on live you have to get your snake used to pre killed. After a few feedings you won't have to worry about it eating pre killed.
I don't like frozen thawed because it can be expired and going bad. Also as you thaw out frozen food it breaks down the nutrients and won't be as healthy.
2006-12-15 05:23:38 · answer #4 · answered by Gray Wanderer 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
We have an albino snake and we use both live and frozen, sometimes he doenst really want the live one so we just leave a frozen one in the cage. Some people think its mean to feed them live mice but either way a mouse is a mouse. It's just nature.
haha hope i helped.
Shenea
2006-12-14 05:35:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feed them prekilled mice the snake will be less likely to bite you. Also, live mice (especially older mice) fight back and can hurt or kill your snake. Most cornsnakes have been in captivity for generations and don't really know what to do with something that fights back. Also, frozen mice are cheaper and don't smell as bad as live mice. Sometimes the snake will refuse to eat frozen, so it may be necessary to offer them live mice.
Overall, I recommend frozen, but live mice are better than starving if they refuse to eat.
2006-12-14 08:34:31 · answer #6 · answered by Mara 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yis posible to go back to pre killed. you dont necasrilly hveto get frozen if you cant get them localy but you can kill it right before it goes in the cage. and it most likley will eat it. also if it dsent try wiggling it with tongs. and dont be scared ifitdosent eat for a few weeks its perfactly normal. i would acully wait 2 weeks afetr you put it in its cage to hold/feed or do anything to it but change water and bedding as needed. its alot of stress for the snake but yes prekilled is the best by far. to much risk with live. dont fall int the trap of "my snake only eats live mice" its nottrue they will eat dead when they are hungry enough. so dont freak out and feed them live just stick with dead an if u get it frozen make sure to thaw it properly post agian and i can help if you dont know how and there are alot of websites for that GL with yourcorn they are great!!!!!!
2006-12-14 18:15:14 · answer #7 · answered by andy s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you want to give the snake a live mouse go for it just knock it out before you put it in the cage the snake will strike it and do what it does before it eats it because the body heat of the mouse the snake will like it best. If you put it in there alive the sake could get bite,scrathed or whatever.
2006-12-14 05:41:58 · answer #8 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Feeding your snake pre-killed mice makes it less aggressive. Plus, you should have some sort of special box to feed it in, that way, whenever you reach your hand into it's real cage, it won't mistake you for food.
2006-12-14 14:58:23 · answer #9 · answered by socomchik1234 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is highly recommended that keepers feed their animals only humanely pre-killed food items to eliminate the risk of injury to the snake from the bite of a rat or mouse
That is from the site I have linked below, ehich has other tips on cornsnake ownership, feeding etc.
P.S. - You have to scroll down a ways on the linked page for the info.
2006-12-14 05:34:22 · answer #10 · answered by D. Knave 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋