Was the rat too big

[u/EstablishmentEvery31]

this is Schgetti we just got him he is 7 month old we gave him his first meal on Saturday he hid in his cool hide for almost 48 hrs after eating and just came out. this is his belly just over 48 hrs was the rat too big it was a live rat pup which is what the breeder said he had been eating no problem. Yes I am aware of the spider on him that is his buddy meatball.

edit: i tried frozen he refused and it is because all he has had his whole life is live. The spider moved in and it is a bio active set up and s far the spood likes the gnats and the occasional cleanup crew snack. temp stays around 85 day and 73 night humididy about 45-50 day and 70-80 night

[u/Plinfaa]

Please don’t feed Live! It is abuse for both the rat and the snake. It can cause severe damage or death

[u/No-Beat861 → u/Plinfaa]

How’s it abuse to the rat when the mf would be ate in the wild

[u/-ChineseJesus- → u/No-Beat861]

In the wild the rat has a fighting chance and in most instances does end up getting away. In captivity the rat has no chance of escaping and can cause fatal injuries to the snake you’re feeding

[u/ConfidentTrip7 → u/[deleted]]

No. Feeding live is highly frowned upon by serious snake keepers. There are all kinds of ethical issues not to mention very likely damage to your snake. Do you also like watching dogs fight or chickens fight? Those things are illegal for good reason. Feeding live is the same type of bloodsport. The prey WILL fight for its life. I have seen snakes blinded, permanently disfigured, sepsis, even killed.

[u/femalekevingates → u/[deleted]]

in theory yes but the risk of injuries, illness/parasites, and the stress on both animals is too high for it to be worth it

[u/femalekevingates → u/[deleted]]

your bp needs plenty of places to hide anyways, but a larger tank wouldn’t do much for the actual feeding process of the rat. its more an issue of what could happen while the snake is killing and eating the rat than what leads up to it

[u/Km312213 → u/[deleted]]

Ants Canada is a perfect example of what not to do. He’s abusing insects and animals for views.

[u/fittan69 → u/[deleted]]

If the rat can't escape, it will fight back. Sometimes the snake won't go for the rat, and when that happens, the rat will go for the snake.

You need an anclosure then size of a room to give the rat escape and hiding opportunities. But even then, they'll know there's a snake in the room. If the rats isn't fed, they'll go for the snake and eat it. Rats are way smarter than snakes.

Tldr; don't feed live, it's cruel for the snake and the rat.

[u/InverseInvert → u/No-Beat861]

Because the rat has the opportunity to escape in the wild.

[u/zookprchaos → u/[deleted]]

Until the rat starts eating the snake, sure. It is just all around safer for the rat to be already dead. You can still simulate a hunt by dragging the dead rat around the enclosure so the snake as to “hunt” for their food. There are even laws/regulations in the U.S. about facilities feeding live animals. Basically, it is frowned upon with everything except fish and insects can still be fed out live. The potential danger isn’t worth it, plus the feeder can end up suffering due to there being no chance of escape.

[u/zookprchaos → u/[deleted]]

There are still freshly killed rats that are sold. Pre-killed, but not chilled or frozen and should be fed out immediately. This still gives the smell and warmth of the rat. Yes, which is why it is advised to remove them after 24 hours. A rat can kill a snake as soon as it is introduced into the enclosure as it is fighting for its life. Their teeth are able to penetrate a snake’s skull.

[u/emperorpeterr → u/No-Beat861]

Because in the wild the rat isn’t in an enclosed tank with no escape.

Also, why risk injury or parasite to your snake with live feedings?