Are you using a mail-order delivery service to feed your snake? Are you certain that those feeder rats are high quality? Here’s what to look out for when choosing a provider for your pet.
Given that most snakes only eat 5-10 rats each month, for most pet owners, it is simply not viable to travel to a supply store each time a snake needs to feed. Live feeder rats are also more expensive than their frozen counterparts, making regular delivery services both cost-effective and convenient. But what makes one delivery service different from the next? After all, rats are rats, are they not? As it turns out, the situation is actually a bit more complicated!
Yes, your snake will chow down on whatever gets tossed into their enclosure, but as a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that they have access to the best food possible. MiceDirect, which sells premium and organic feeder rats, explains that many providers source their stock unethically or even from unsafe sources like medical or laboratory waste. These rats could be contaminated with dangerous chemicals, pharmaceutical compounds, or even heavy metals, which could in turn be transferred into your beloved pet.
Instead of sourcing your rats from the cheapest option, be sure to investigate the origin of the animals. Are they responsibly raised and euthanized? Are they fed a healthy, zoological-grade diet? Answering these questions will ensure that your pet gets the best care possible.
Another important factor is the size of the rats you will be receiving. As a reptile owner, you are likely familiar with the different size classifications of feeder rats, but did you know that not all producers adhere to those guidelines as closely as they should?
Meals that are too large for your animal can cause severe health problems, from regurgitation to digestive blockage and, in severe cases, even rupture in the digestive tract. Always cross-reference the feeder rats you receive against the size recommendations for your snake. If there is any doubt, best throw it out!
Even frozen rats degrade over time, so it is important to partner with a provider that . For best results, find an option humanely euthanized within 7 days of delivery; anything more than that could mean you are getting a sub-par or contaminated product.
With these considerations in mind, ideally you will be able to offer your pet the best feeding experience possible. They will thank you for your diligence (at least, as much as a snake can thank a human).
