Does anyone here feed quail to their snake?

[Emilys3guppies]

I have a 4.5 foot ball python who has only ever eaten live rats of various ages.

I didn't get the quail to feed to my snake because I didn't realize you could. But, now that I've got both, I'm considering the quail as an inexpensive food supply for the snake as well as us. Haha.

Anyone do it? She can handle a full size rat, so I'm thinking that when these quail are 4 weeks old they'll be a good size for her. Advice?

Thanks,
Emily

 

[1stepcloser]

My advice to buy a pet that doesn't require eating something alive.

Next...

 

[Sillystunt]

not gonna like my answer, sorry! Next~

 

[Emilys3guppies]

I should have included a disclaimer that I'm not looking to hear from naysayers only those who have experience with the subject at hand. Can we keep it productive please?

 

[Sillystunt]

Quote:
I tried to be polite and not fully answer. Thought that was being the better person. Maybe posting in a reptile forum might have given you a better answer, sorry if you felt i was naysaying!

 

[silkiechicken]

Please be nice. If you have nothing to add to the topic of feeding one's pet with live animals, please move on. Thanks.

4. No Trolling (posting to provoke others, luring them to flame or rant). Trolling is sometimes done involuntarily, so please be considerate when posting.

If you have nothing to add, please don't post.


As an aside, I was raising some hamsters for a friends snake, but she had to stop feeding them because the snake was starting to refuse eating the frozen mice from the store when the hamster supply was in a lull.​

 

[ugly ducky]

We use to own a reptile shop, and we fed rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits , and chickens. No reason not to feed your snake quail as long as you have a supply....beats going to the pet store and buying rats. At least you know your quail are healthy. Don't be concerned over those who disagree with live food for your reptiles. It's just a fact of life that they need live food. We don't necessarily like doing it, but it is part of having reptiles. Everything needs to eat.

 

[MurrayG]

Please be nice. If you have nothing to add to the topic of feeding one's pet with live animals, please move on. Thanks.

4. No Trolling (posting to provoke others, luring them to flame or rant). Trolling is sometimes done involuntarily, so please be considerate when posting.​

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If you have nothing to add, please don't post.​

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As an aside, I was raising some hamsters for a friends snake, but she had to stop feeding them because the snake was starting to refuse eating the frozen mice from the store when the hamster supply was in a lull.​

It is not always a question regarding ethical/unethical practices and discussions but about the legal ramifications depending on where you live.

It is a responsibility for reptile owners to know the legal requirements for their specific country.

In Australia for example, It is illegal in NSW to feed live vertebrate animals to reptiles or amphibians. They need to be humanely pre-killed (such as frozen) before being presented as food. Only invertebrates can be live fed. In some cases where force feeding is not an option and your animal faces possible death due to not eating, you can apply for a special permit requesting live feeding of vertebrates (and even these are not guaranteed to be accepted). Fines, animal confiscation and even jail time can result for breeching this aspect of the State/Territory legislation.

It is important for owners to understand what they legally can and cannot feed their reptiles so while forums like this are great for owners to share information and stories, please disclaim that what is ok in one country is not applicable for others.

 

[JaredGraham]

I should have included a disclaimer that I'm not looking to hear from naysayers only those who have experience with the subject at hand. Can we keep it productive please?

Nope...

 

[KellyHM]

I tried to feed mine a chick that died during hatching...he didn't want to have anything to do with it. I don't see why you couldn't try it if the snake will accept it.