NationStates Jolt Archive

Yesterday I was in a local pet store getting some things for various family pets when my attention was caught by to young males who were in to buy food for their snake (Beavis and Butthead without the smarts). The snake was, according to them, a 5' long California King Snake and they wanted something "special" for it. We had a brief discussion about snakes and I went about my business. As I was checking out, I noticed that they were at the next checkstand making their purchase. They had bought a young parakeet to feed to the snake! I don't know about anyone else, but I was really bothered by this. Parakeets are intelligent and engaging little birds and really shouldn't end up as snake food. I suppose I should have said something, but the size and mentality of the individuals involved intimidated me somewhat. But, as I think about it it really occurs to me that some people shouldn't be allowed to have pets. I'm sure we all have a list of things that "some people shouldn't be allowed ..."

Watch out for anything with claws.

When I had my python Fluffy, I only fed it frozen (and thawed) rats. Something with claws and alive can seriously injure, or even kill, a snake.

some people shouldnt be allowed to win the Presidency of the US through the electoral college. Not naming names of course.

So, it's worse to feed a parakeet to a snake than a mouse or gerbil, why?

The difference between pets and vittles is in the eye of the beholder.

The difference between pets and vittles is in the eye of the beholder.
Exactly.

Watch out for anything with claws.

When I had my python Fluffy, I only fed it frozen (and thawed) rats. Something with claws and alive can seriously injure, or even kill, a snake.
Ive fed my python for 12 years on live rats and have never had a problem. He's a real killer;)

And while we're at it let's make up a list of things that people can and can't do, can and can't think, and can and can't believe. It's not facism because we don't call it that. Sometimes we just know what's best for other people so it's okay to take away their right to choose how to live.

Ive fed my python for 12 years on live rats and have never had a problem. He's a real killer;)
Yep, depends on the animal. Bigger snakes can even kill big cats, although the match is a coin toss usually.

Ive fed my python for 12 years on live rats and have never had a problem. He's a real killer;)

Frozen rats are cheaper here, too.

So, it's worse to feed a parakeet to a snake than a mouse or gerbil, why?
DEATH TO ALL SURFACERS!

My python prefers slices without so much rat in them.

So, it's worse to feed a parakeet to a snake than a mouse or gerbil, why?
No, of course not. Snake sees. Snake wants. Snake gets.

Some people shouldn't be allowed to....

breathe.

Every day, I see valuable oxygen being squandered and it makes me ill.

Parakeets are intelligent and engaging little birds and really shouldn't end up as snake food.

Mice and rats are also quite intelligent and engaging. They also have that cuddly mammal thing going on.

Do you eat sushi? Perhaps enjoy a good octopus roll? Octopi are quite intelligent, but also tasty. Do you object to consuming them?

Now that thats out of the way. I agree with your assesment of the snake owners. A close friend of mine has is own snakes, its always an event when its time for them to be fed. I think the difference between us lies in the attitude. They want to see something killed/suffer, the fascination that my associates have for feeding carnivores is out of interest in how things work.

Frozen rats are cheaper here, too.
watching the snake hunt and kill on the most basic level of life and death is worth the price of admission(IMO).

watching the snake hunt and kill on the most basic level of life and death is worth the price of admission(IMO).

it's a bit one sided though innit? it's not like the rat's gonna get away

it's a bit one sided though innit? it's not like the rat's gonna get away
You never know. Rats can be pissy little buggers and have been known to injure or kill snakes trying to kill them.

You never know. Rats can be pissy little buggers and have been known to injure or kill snakes trying to kill them.

i'd prefer to see that

I know it's cliche, but some people should really not be allowed to breed. Brittany Spears comes to mind.

I know it's cliche, but some people should really not be allowed to breed. Brittany Spears comes to mind.

Plese, dhe has to breed. Average human intelliegence is still to high.

Yep, depends on the animal. Bigger snakes can even kill big cats, although the match is a coin toss usually.

Speaking of which...http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4313978.stm :eek: