Frozen vs Live Prey: What Should I Feed My Snake?
Amongst snake owners and professional animal keeping institutions, there has been controversy regarding the feeding live prey debate. Officially, it is not illegal, under the 1911 Act, to feed live vertebrate to reptiles unless you cause it unnecessary suffering.
Just because snakes are used to feeding on live prey in the wild, it should not be assumed that they need to be fed live prey in captivity; feeding live prey should only be a last resort. Frozen food is much more beneficial for snakes anyway and here are a few reasons why:
Advantages of Frozen Prey for Snakes
Frozen Prey Isn’t Dangerous
Live prey can pose a serious threat to your snake, as well as yourself. Some are willing to defend themselves and will put up a fight, like bite or scratch and leave defensive wounds that can take time to heal. Also, if the live prey is not eaten immediately, there is a risk of attack later on or a chance of the live prey escaping into your home.
Snakes More Inclined to Eat Frozen Prey
Due to being kept in a confined space, your snake will not feel relaxed with another animal in their space. Sudden movements may startle or alarm your snake and if they start to feel threatened, they will be extremely hesitant to eat their food.
Frozen Prey Doesn’t Suffer
One of the main advantages of feeding your snake frozen prey is that you won’t have to see the live prey suffer. Frozen prey has been humanely euthanised so it will not have to endure unnecessary pain and anguish. Although this is present in the wild, that is an essential part of life, it is not essential when snakes are kept in captivity.
Frozen Prey Has No Parasites
Freezing kills many parasites that can be present in prey, so there is no risk of your snake being exposed to any illness or disease. As well as this, as live prey is more susceptible to injuring your snake, even if it’s just a minor scratch, this leaves them vulnerable to infections.
Frozen Prey Easier to Store
Out of convenience, frozen prey is easier to store than live prey. Live prey requires a large amount of space as well as maintenance and care. Frozen prey only requires a freezer for storage and can be removed as and when is needed. Also, with frozen prey, a large supply can be maintained with minimal effort.
All Your Frozen Reptile Food from Kiezebrink
As mentioned before, snakes are used to being predators but, when kept in captivity, they will easily transition to frozen prey. In the wild, it is not uncommon for them to scavenge or eat prey that has already been killed, so frozen prey is not so different.
At Kiezebrink, we supply frozen reptile food like mice, day old chicks, rats and other rodents. If you have any further questions or queries about feeding your snake, don’t hesitate to contact us or look around our shop,
