Conundrum 1 #1 October 3, 2005 Picked up a Ball Python yesterday, he’s just a baby and he’s totally adorable. Anyone else have snakes? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #2 October 3, 2005 Nice wiggler ya got there! I had a few corn snakes and garter snakes as a kid, but that's all...Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gemini 0 #3 October 3, 2005 Woops! Thought you meant the thing you clean out drains with. Blue skies, Jim Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diversgodown 0 #4 October 3, 2005 Ya, I got a Ball named sly, She's a cool snake, Balls are usually pretty well tempered. Don't listen to all those people that say you shouldn't feed live mice or rats to them, I figure that's how they do it in the wild, and if they can't kill there food, well then there not a very good snake... ***Glory Favors the Bold*** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumper03 0 #5 October 3, 2005 you don't have to worry about me visiting anytime soon! Scars remind us that the past is real Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #6 October 3, 2005 QuoteI figure that's how they do it in the wild, and if they can't kill there food, If they were in the wild that would be acceptable. However when you take a animal out of the wild and put it into an enclosure that does not enable them to use their natural instints on a regular basis they are not as "wild" anymore. You feed a live rat or mouse to a snake and you stand a chance of KILLING your snake. If that snake is not hungery the mouse or rat will attack if given the chance. Buying pre-killed mice, rats or chicks is a great way to show your love of your pet. All pre-killed feed is raised in disese free enviroments, there is NO risk of the feed attacking the snake. Quotewell then there not a very good snake... Thats sad that you would feel that way. I can only imagine if we treated humans that way. Just my opinion but if anyone has a pet and does not treat that pet as they would a child then they dont deserve to have the pet. Just because we are superior creatures does not mean that we should allow our pets to be abused. If one can avoid trama or injury to ones pet then one should do that.Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #7 October 3, 2005 My friend Mike Sweet has one of those, fully grown. They like hamsters... every 2 to 4 weeks... "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buried 0 #8 October 3, 2005 oh its a cute little snake. I haven't had any, but a few of my friends have. Just remember to wash your hands after feeding, unless of course you like bites . you should take a pick with the tiny snake around your neck.... ok let's face it I just wanna see more pics of you Where is my fizzy-lifting drink? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #9 October 3, 2005 QuoteIf they were in the wild that would be acceptable. However when you take a animal out of the wild and put it into an enclosure that does not enable them to use their natural instints on a regular basis they are not as "wild" anymore. No, they're not as wild, but the instincts remain. I've seen many more snakes refuse killed feed than will take it. QuoteYou feed a live rat or mouse to a snake and you stand a chance of KILLING your snake. If that snake is not hungery the mouse or rat will attack if given the chance. Then you're feeding too large of a feeder animal, and at fault for not removing the feed animal if the snake is uninterested. QuoteJust my opinion but if anyone has a pet and does not treat that pet as they would a child then they dont deserve to have the pet. Just because we are superior creatures does not mean that we should allow our pets to be abused. If one can avoid trama or injury to ones pet then one should do that. Killed feed animals are not always the best choice. There is a higher chance of spoilage, and definitely a higher amount of wastage. Many snake handlers raise their own feeder mice in an environment fully as clean as disease free as a killed feed provider. It is also arguable that a snake will feed better on live prey due to the fact that it activates the feeding instinct.Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashtanga 0 #10 October 3, 2005 Have you named it yet? I recommend naming it Monty. As in Monty Python. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Evelyn 0 #11 October 3, 2005 Awwww, what a little cutie Life is either a daring adventure or nothing ~ Helen Keller Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2fat2fly 0 #12 October 3, 2005 Balls are good pet reptiles-generally a great temperament. I raised a Burmese a few years back. On the live feed question that has come up. I had a pretty good feel for the feeding schedule but I stunned the prey animal to avoid injury to the snake, especially when I moved to larger food. A rabbit can tear up a snake during the kill. Also, stock up on Rid-a-mite ( I think that's the brand name) you will eventually have a mite infestation.I am not the man. But the man knows my name...and he's worried Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #13 October 3, 2005 QuoteNo, they're not as wild, but the instincts remain. I've seen many more snakes refuse killed feed than will take it If it is dont properly and given time, he/she will take the feed. That also depends on their breeding, how long the blood line has been raised in a captive setting. Animals over time and after many generations can and do lose their "natural" instinct. For example, go look at a lion at the zoo, then watch one on the discovery channel. In zoos and because of extensive breeding while captive they have different physical features then there wild brothers. Their minds alter to. QuoteThen you're feeding too large of a feeder animal, and at fault for not removing the feed animal if the snake is uninterested Not ness true, snakes are very sensitive to illness and injury. A simple tear from the teeth of a small rodent can cause a huge infection. Some snakes dont eat live feed either. However if they are need to eat, they will. QuoteKilled feed animals are not always the best choice. There is a higher chance of spoilage, and definitely a higher amount of wastage. Many snake handlers raise their own feeder mice in an environment fully as clean as disease free as a killed feed provider. I dont see where the spoilage issue comes from. Most feed is frozen. If a mouse or rat isnt eaten right away, you then have to have a seperate enclosure for it, feed the rodent, and hope it doesnt have babies.Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PrairieDoug 0 #14 October 3, 2005 Balls are an excellent choice for a pet snake. I have a ball and a corn snake, among many other pets. I feed live mice, but only add one mice at a time and watch to see that the snake is hungry. You can also stun the mice by throwing them against the wall before feeding. (It sounds rough, but it's arguably more humane than freezing the mouse or letting the snake kill it.) I also feed my snakes in a separate enclosure so they don't associate my reaching into the cage with a snack. Balls need a relatively warm, moderate humidity environment. If it's too dry, they'll have trouble shedding, especially the eyecaps. Enjoy your new critter, Chelle! Doug Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #15 October 3, 2005 Feeding live feed is fine if you bash the rodents head to stun it. Good note on the eyecaps, so many people who own them dont realize how important it is that after they go opaque and shed the eyes and tail need to be check. Poor little fellas.Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashtanga 0 #16 October 3, 2005 QuoteFeeding live feed is fine if you bash the rodents head to stun it. You won't have a giraffe roast but you will beat a rodents head to stun it before feeding it to a snake. Your . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #17 October 3, 2005 well I couldnt slit its throat. And giraffes arent bred for feed goober. We had a rat infestation at the range of the jaquar enclosure, damn zoo had to gas the little rats, that cost alot of money I say bash the head and throw it away. If its for feed it is fine, they wont feel it if you bash hard enoughSudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashtanga 0 #18 October 3, 2005 QuoteAnd giraffes arent bred for feed goober. Not yet. I am planning a Giraffe Farm for breeding purposes. Giraffe has less fat than cows do. Better meat. We will be selling Giraffe overnight and I know I will do better than Ted Turner and his Buffalo. Giraffing is where it's at...I said remember that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #19 October 3, 2005 Have you had your pills today?Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ashtanga 0 #20 October 3, 2005 QuoteHave you had your pills today? I don't take pills. I'm au natural. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crotalus01 0 #21 October 3, 2005 hey Conundrum nice looking ball python. has it fed yet? be aware that ball pyhtons are notorious for going off food for long periods of time, and can be very picky eaters. i had one that would onlu eat white mice, if the mouse was brown or grey it would refuse to eat it. and live food is fine IMO, just watch carefully as the snake constricts the prey as mice can give very nasty bites to the snake during the constiction process. this can also cause the snake to refuse food. other than that, ball pythons tend to be extremely even tempered snakes...but they will bite, especially if you have been handling their food and they catch the scent on your hands. but their bite is not bad, just like getting pricked by a few dozen needles. have fun with it! As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #22 October 3, 2005 QuoteI'm au natural thought we determined that was a bad thing? http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?post=1852451;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unreadSudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflynick 0 #23 October 3, 2005 I had a jungle carpet python for a few years before I left UK - GORGEOUS snake! His name was Ythan......and I miss him! He was only 2 generations out of the wild, so had to be treated with respect, but he only bit me twice, and one of those was the first day I had him. But the colours were fantastic, especially after a shed. Enjoy your new friend! Handle him often, and when he is bigger he will give you the best neck massages!! And PLEASE........don't name him Monty!!! Hobbes: "How come we play 'War' and not 'Peace'?" Calvin: "Too few role models." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Diversgodown 0 #24 October 3, 2005 QuoteJust my opinion but if anyone has a pet and does not treat that pet as they would a child then they dont deserve to have the pet. *** Just because we are superior creatures does not mean that we should allow our pets to be abused. I baby all my pets, I watch my snake feed and make sure he kills the rat..and if he isn't hungry I remove the rat. and my dog is probably treated better than most people. There instincts are still there even though they aren't "wild" I think it is sad that we feel the need to be so over protective of everything. three years of live rats and no problem.. Just because we are superior creatures does not mean that we should allow our pets to be abused. and what makes you think we are superior? I don't see animals out there waging wars, commiting crimes, ruining the natural order of things. Just because we are at the top of the food chain doesn't mean we are superior. Long after the human race is gone. I'm sure the creatures will still be roaming the earth. ***Glory Favors the Bold*** Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lisamariewillbe 1 #25 October 3, 2005 Quotethree years of live rats and no problem.. And I know plenty of things in life that can be compared to this.... 10 years driving havent gotten into a accident, no need for a seatbelt... 11 years having sex, havent gotten aids yet so no need for protection anymore etc Quote There instincts are still there Once again it depends on how much removed there blood line is. The more generations captive the tamer the animal. If a animal does not need a instinct to survive it will not use it. Over time this instinct can disappear completley. Axolodils (sp) , live in water there whole life, one of the few that stay in there "larva" stage. However , when one slowly adds more air to the water, this amphibian will lose its gills and grow lungs, thus allowing it to live on land. HOWEVER, it cant go back to being a water creature. Its called adaptation... I give programs on it at the zoo. Quotewhat makes you think we are superior What makes you say we are not? Not only have we the brain power to destroy our resources, but we also have the knowledge to protect it. And actually yes, because we are at the top of the food chain and because of our ability to achieve varies though processes and ideas just that alone makes us superior on some levels.Sudsy Fist: i don't think i'd ever say this Sudsy Fist: but you're looking damn sudsydoable in this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
