Giving live prey to pet snakes can be a difficult and dangerous job, both for the owner and the snake itself. Frozen rats can be a good option because they reduce the risk of hurting the snake, reduce stress for both the owner and the pet snake, and you don't have to witness the little rat's plight before it dives into the snake's stomach. In addition, the price is also cheaper!
Step
Step 1. Thaw frozen mice in a bowl of warm water
DO NOT use the microwave! Although more practical, the microwave will cook the rat meat and snakes can become sick if they eat it. Remove the frozen mouse from the refrigerator and place it in a plastic bag. Place the bag in a bowl of warm water (about full). Place a cup or mug over the bag so that the mouse is completely submerged in the water. Leave it for 2 hours. Don't forget to set an alarm to remind you!
Step 2. Remove the plastic bag containing the mouse from the bowl after 2 hours
Use tongs to hold the mouse and keep a safe distance between your hand and the hungry snake's mouth.
Step 3. Place the snake in the dining area
It is highly recommended not to feed the snake in its cage as this can cause the snake to associate everything that enters it as food (perhaps your hand is one of them). You can use a container with high walls, a spare aquarium, or even a bathtub (make sure you cover the drain)!
Keep in mind that some snakes don't like being held before or after eating. In this case, you can feed the snake in its cage. Don't forget to use tongs to hold the mouse or place it on a rock or branch in the cage. This will reduce the risk of being bitten by a snake
Step 4. Place mice in an area dedicated to feeding snakes
Some snakes can eat thawed mice without a problem and will start devouring them after about 15 minutes or so. Once the snake has swallowed its food, your task is complete. Return the snake to its cage.
Step 5. If your pet snake is a picky eater or has never eaten dead food before, you may have to try a little harder the first few times
You can grab the rat's tail and rock it in front of the snake. Use tongs when doing this to prevent accidental bites. If the snake seems scared of the rat, don't swing it too hard and keep it a little farther away. However, don't do this trick if you have a ball python as it will really scare the snake and have the opposite effect! With patience, you will see that the snake will grab and strangle the dead mouse and eat it as usual. You may need to let the snake "kill" the dead mouse more than once in the first few days you introduce this type of food to him. Do not be discouraged! Giving dead food to snakes is much safer and more humane.
Step 6. Return the snake to its cage and allow it to digest its food in a dark, warm place
Be careful when moving the snake as it is still in the feeding phase. You can work around this problem by letting the snake crawl out of the container and then picking it up.
Tips
- If the snake still refuses to eat, there is a magic cure called MouseMaker. These products can be purchased online or at pet stores. You just drip it on the mouse. Just opening the bottle can make the snake go wild. A drop or two in a mouse's nose will arouse the appetite of even the most reluctant snake. You can eventually stop using it once the snake gets used to the dead food.
- If the snake persists on its hunger strike, it may be close to molting.
- Frozen rats can be stored for a long time if placed in an airtight container.
- Another solution you can try is to dip the mice in a little chicken stock. This step can have the same effect as MouseMaker.
- Sometimes snakes are not aware of the presence of immobile prey. A slight tug on the mouse can make the snake grab it right away. The opposite will happen to snakes who prefer to be left alone with mice in a warm and dark environment to eat their food in peace and quiet.
- Keep in mind that every snake is different! Keep trying some of these different techniques.
- Use the hook training method: use the hook to tap the snake's nose when you're not feeding it, then remove it. This exercise cancels the snake's eating instincts and makes it understand that it will not get any food.
- Removing mouse brains can also be an option if you have the guts to do it! You simply crush the rat's head so that the contents of the head come out. This action has the same effect as chicken stock.
- Remember, don't force feed the animals! Some snakes will never eat frozen food.
- You don't need a separate container. Snakes can experience stress and hunger strikes if handled before being fed.
Warning
- Make sure the frozen mouse is not too big for a pet snake as it can cause serious injury.
- If a snake bites, unless it's a venomous snake, don't worry. You have to deal with it immediately. To force the snake to release its bite, gently press the back of its head where the jaw opens. Don't pull your finger (or other bitten part) until the snake opens its mouth because the snake's fangs tilt back and your skin may tear or the fangs may break. Clean the bitten area with a disinfectant and don't try to punish the snake. He won't understand and you may even provoke another bite. Spending time with a snake and building its trust is the best way to prevent bites.
