Wild baby rats

[K_A_Z_Z_A]

I was wondering if I should feed my snake wild caught baby rats.

Thanks KAZZA.

 

[abbott75]

Nobody is going to stop you, but there is an increased risk of parasites, poisons and other undesirables. Of course it still exists to a limited extent no matter where you get your food from.

 

[wiz-fiz]

no you do not, for all you know, they could be infested with lots of diseases.


Will

 

[Stranger]

NO!

 

[shlanger]

Yes! Kill and freeze them for a month first, then thaw and feed!

 

[funcouple]

i wouldnt. you dont know if they have been poisoned, if they have worms or parasites. im sure you will agree the health of your snake and any vet bills will be worth more than what you will save by feeding wild rodents

 

[abbott75]

no you do not, for all you know, they could be infested with lots of diseases.


Will

What makes you think that animals who are surviving in the wild will have more disease than animals raised in ammonia-soaked cages, crowded with many other rats and no predators?

 

[wiz-fiz]

i just said that they could be disease ridden


Will

 

[pyrodarknessanny]

the mane reasons for NOT feeding wild caught rats are
1) risk of poisoning
2) risk of parasites
3) risk of disease, not so much to your snakes more to your self
"feral" rats can carry up to 14 different diseases including hepatitis

domesticated or laboratory grade
generally do not carry the diseases that "feral" rats do
they also should be treated regularly and there forth have a less chance of harboring parasites such was tape worm. hook worm and zipper worms. witch can be passed on from the rat to your reptiles. or any thing else that eats them

 

[FAY]

No..if you love your pets...you wouldn't risk it. You can never be sure if they have been nibbling rat poison or if mum has and they are drinking her milk.

 

[K_A_Z_Z_A]

Thanks to who replied, there is more against so I won't take that risk.

KAZZA.

 

[cris]

I would just freeze them first, should be fine.