Feeding live prey to snakes in captivity is difficult and dangerous for both the owner and the snake. Using frozen rodents reduces the risk of the snake getting injured, decreases stress for the owner and reptile, and saves you from having to watch a mouse in pain. They are often much cheaper too!
Steps
Step 1. Thaw the rodent in a bowl of warm water
DO NOT defrost it in the microwave! As tempting as it may be, it would cook the meat and make the snake sick. Take a frozen rodent from the freezer, and place it in a separate plastic bag. Place the bag in a bowl 3/4 filled with hot water. Place a glass or cup on the bag to keep the rodent completely submerged in the water. Leave the mouse for two hours, and don't forget to set a timer to remind yourself of it!
Step 2. Remove the mouse from the bowl when the timer goes off
Prepare some tongs, if you have any, to catch the mouse and keep your hand at a safe distance from your hungry snake's mouth.
Step 3. Place your snake in the area where you feed it
It is highly recommended not to feed the snake in its terraio, as this gives the reptile the impression that whatever enters its territory is food (your hand, for example, could be mistaken for such). You can use a tall-sided bin, a different soil, or even a tub. Just remember to plug the drain!
Remember that some snakes don't like being handled before or after being fed. In this case, you can feed your snake in its soil as long as you use tongs to handle the rodent or leave it on a rock or branch inside the cage. This will reduce the risk of being bitten
Step 4. Place the rodent in the area with the snake
Some snakes have no difficulty eating a thawed rodent, and they will do so in about 15 minutes. If so, you are done and then you can take the snake back to its usual enclosure.
Step 5. If your snake is having difficulty with food, or has never eaten dead food before, you may need to work a little harder at first
You can try waving the mouse by the tail in front of the snake. Use pliers if you do, to avoid accidental bites. If the snake seems frightened of the rodent, just shake it a little and from a slight distance. If the snake is in attack position but not moving, try tapping it on the muzzle. However, don't do this if your snake is a Ball Python, as you could scare the reptile and get the opposite effect to what you want! With a little patience, you should see that the snake will strike and crush the already dead prey, and eat it normally. You may have to let the snake "kill" the dead rodent more than once in the beginning. Don't be discouraged! Already dead prey is a safer and more humane way to feed your snake.
Step 6. Return the snake to its soil and let it digest the meal in a warm, dark area
Be careful when catching the snake, as it may still be intending to feed. Letting it come out of the bin and picking it up later will usually remedy this problem.
Advice
- Frozen mice can be stored in the freezer for very long periods if kept under vacuum.
- If the snake just doesn't eat, the magical cure is called MouseMaker. It is a product, which can be bought online or in pet stores, to put on the rodent. A drop or two on the rodent will attract even the most reluctant reptile. Over time, you will gradually be able to stop using them as the snake gets used to dead prey.
- Alternatively, sprinkle the rodent with some chicken broth. It should have an effect similar to that of MouseMaker drops.
- Sometimes snakes do not notice stationary prey, a quick yank on the mouse can cause an attack on the prey. The opposite also happens for snakes that prefer to be left alone with the mouse in a warm, dark place to consume their prey in peace and silence.
- Remember, however, that every snake is different! Keep trying different techniques.
- Breaking the rat's head is also a solution, if you feel like it! Simply squeeze your head so that some brain matter comes out. It has the same effect as chicken broth.
Warnings
- If you happen to be bitten by the snake, don't worry about hygiene measures right away unless it is poisonous. To let the snake release you, apply gentle pressure to the back sides of the head, where the jaws separate. Don't pull your finger away (or whatever the bitten part is) until the snake opens its mouth, as the snake's fangs tilt inward and you could tear the skin or break the reptile's teeth. Disinfect the bitten area, and don't try to punish the snake. He won't understand, and you may just get another bite. Spending time with your snake and making it trust you is a far better way to prevent bites.
- Make sure your rodent isn't too big for your pet, as it could cause serious damage.
