| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| arwyn73 |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 19:05:43
hi just fed my royal nearly eat my finger lol she took 2 min to eat large mouse should i be feeding her larger pray and what ? input would be appreceated thanks |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| BlueDragon |
Posted - 10/02/2013 : 09:23:04
As a Rat rescuer I can add that, in fact, Rats have a much greater muscle mass than Mice do and so I think that's one reason they're better for Snakes than Mice : )
Out of one Rat and one Mouse of the same size, Rats will always come out better than Mice for their good fats and muscle mass.
If you think about it, feeding one Rat, with more fat (good, benefitial fat) and more muscle mass (for protene) than two Mice, or even one of a similar size, then I think your still going better 'cause it's more good stuff vs extra bones, cartalage etc. Which is also all good of course, but muscle is key. Meat eating Animals need lots of protene and fat. I think Rats are better for that.
Personal opinion only, of course : )
As for the question being asked, I think it depends on said Snakey's size and how much they weigh. The rule I always followed ('cause I don't understand weights very well : / ) is that you should choose a prey that is about the same size/slighty bigger than your Snakes girth at the fattest point.
If you can see a slight bulge after he/she has eaten then that's fine and is the right size to feed. If you can't see any sign of them having eaten then it might be time to move up a size. |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 23:33:29
Thanks for the reassurance Fezza...I'd really hate to give anyone false/bad advice!
I guess I was told rats are best because they work out cheaper and help the snake grow quicker.
That's great if you want value for money or are a breeder wanting a 'grown to size' snake.
I also assume that if you're an average snake owner who just wants your snake to eat whatever they will, regardless of cost, then the best way forward is to feed an appropriate size rodent.
If, I assume, like most of us, one has a budget, then rats are the best choice?
I have no knowledge of multi's because my snakes (corns & royals) all have mice or rats. Are multi's much better value? How do they rate nutritionally? I'd be very grateful of any info because I'm always eager to learn, as I'm sure other members would be too, and it can only be of benefit to our snakes! |
| Fezza |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 23:02:08
quote:
Originally posted by herriotfan
quote:
Originally posted by Fezza
I'm not sure that rats are better per se, they contain more fat and are obviously bigger
A royal will live quite happily on large mice for as long as you care to continue feeding them. Rats will get your royal bigger, faster. If you're thinking of breeding then that can speed things up re; getting females up to size
Some never switch to rats and stay on mice or even multi's all their life. Feed what you can get your hands on and, what your snake will eat
I'm sorry if I've given incorrect information.
I was told, via this forum, that it was better to feed rats.
I stand corrected and I do apologise if I've mislead anyone reading my post. 
Knowing that Royals can be fussy feeders I would agree to give them anything they will eat!
Nothing to apologise about. Rats are bigger, work out cheaper for larger snakes and will get juvi/sub adults up to size quicker.
So in many ways they are a better choice.
The breeder I had my last two off, fed his keepers and breeders nothing but multis. He swore by them! I guess it helped he bred his own food though otherwise that could get costly |
| jbarlow91 |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 22:32:27
I think both rats and mice are ok for royals its just easier to feed one rat than it is three or four mice lol cheaper too |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 21:19:32
quote:
Originally posted by Fezza
I'm not sure that rats are better per se, they contain more fat and are obviously bigger
A royal will live quite happily on large mice for as long as you care to continue feeding them. Rats will get your royal bigger, faster. If you're thinking of breeding then that can speed things up re; getting females up to size
Some never switch to rats and stay on mice or even multi's all their life. Feed what you can get your hands on and, what your snake will eat
I'm sorry if I've given incorrect information.
I was told, via this forum, that it was better to feed rats.
I stand corrected and I do apologise if I've mislead anyone reading my post.
Knowing that Royals can be fussy feeders I would agree to give them anything they will eat! |
| Fezza |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 20:24:11
I'm not sure that rats are better per se, they contain more fat and are obviously bigger
A royal will live quite happily on large mice for as long as you care to continue feeding them. Rats will get your royal bigger, faster. If you're thinking of breeding then that can speed things up re; getting females up to size
Some never switch to rats and stay on mice or even multi's all their life. Feed what you can get your hands on and, what your snake will eat |
| herriotfan |
Posted - 08/02/2013 : 19:32:14
Have you tried her on rats? They're better for royals than mice.
A rat that's 10% of the snakes weight is the correct size to feed. |
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