-Help- warming mice to feed??!!

[Snakes Inc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Ravnos Every major US frozen rodent supplier euthanizes by using carbon dioxide. I have never heard of anyone syringing them, and I can't see it being very efficient or humane, especially on large scale. I have never had a problem getting any of my snakes to eat wet rodents that have been soaked in water to thaw.

I have acquired rodents from a science lab and found the same problem as nik8806 has experienced when defrosting. I inquired and was told why.

I have snakes that will take anything offered and some that will not touch anything wet as I think it is because of the smell?? If the animal being fed is picky what can one do??

[nik8806]

I dont just put the mice in water. I put them in a ziplock bag, put them in a bucket, and run warm water over them for 30-40 min before feeding. So the mice are not wet. Yet, sometimes they still burst open.
And we do euthanize them using carbon dioxide.
But the last week the mice didnt open and he ate. =) So we will see!
Thanks!

[woodjojo4]

I too have had mice split open from placing them in warm water. Here's what I found to work. Place the mouce in a plastic, sealed baggy. Place outside to defrost about 30-45 minutes. Then place the bag in warm water for about 5 minutes and the mouse is warm.

[nik8806]

haha only problem is we are in alaska. and during the winter it would probably freeze MORE outside haha. but in the summer that could work

[Deana]

I had a ball python for 9 months. The crazy thing was afraid of rats. It only ate 1 time. Maybe it was the color? I know my 26 year old boa can be weird about the color sometimes. Weird.

[Snakes Inc]

Quote: Originally Posted by nik8806 haha only problem is we are in alaska.

Dang Alaska you say. I’ve never even seen real snow accept on TV.

[lilchris_28]

I warm mine in hot water and then put them next to the heat lamp just before I feed Roo. But I don't know why they're busting open for you...

[Tearyth]

Quote: Originally Posted by candyraver Thanks for the heads up on not using a microwave.I want a snake in the near future& I know not to make that mistake now

any idea why u want to haz a snake for a pet?.. o.o?

[Tearyth]

Quote: Originally Posted by lilchris_28 I warm mine in hot water and then put them next to the heat lamp just before I feed Roo. But I don't know why they're busting open for you...

sorry but i think neutering just aint natural or right if u dun want the babies wait 2 weeks then give to animal shelter :'(

[Snakes Inc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tearyth ...i think neutering just aint natural or right...

Think about what the world’s population would be if we did not use contraception? Natural or not it serves a purpose.

I think if more animals were neutered in this country we would not have as many stray animals roaming the streets.

[Vanilla_Rat]

Quote: Originally Posted by Tearyth any idea why u want to haz a snake for a pet?.. o.o?

Ummm...it is called personal choice.
I am getting a snake eventually.Just waiting for the right time.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tearyth sorry but i think neutering just aint natural or right if u dun want the babies wait 2 weeks then give to animal shelter :'(

Neutering is much better then helping the over-population of pets! People who let their animals breed and then dump the pets at shelters ARE HELPING THE OVER-POPULATION!


And what does that even have to do with this thread???? Off topic much?

[Bean]

I fed my baby ball live mice from the time i got him. I recently got a baby corn snake though and its too small for live just yet. I feed him frozen fuzzies, two at a time. and i just let them sit out until they're not cold. He doesn't mind what the temperature or color is.

[Snakes Inc]

Quote: Originally Posted by Bean ...I recently got a baby corn snake though and its too small for live just yet...

No hatchling corn is too small to eat live pinky mice. If that was the case how would this affect the wild population?

Before feeding anything defrosted one must be absolutely sure that the item has no icicles inside. This will do immense harm to the animal being fed.

[Kendalle]

i think he/she was saying that it was too small for grown mice... ?? not sure

maybe you could put a frozen mouse under a heat lamp for a bit then fed when warm?

[Bean]

yeah, i meant grown mice. what's the point of feeding live pinkies or fuzzies? They don't move enough anyway. No challenge. And i don't feed them to him when they're frozen, i make sure they're plenty squishy enough. Completely thawed.