Quote:
Originally Posted by Helenthereef
I'm just curious - from what you say, Robert, do you mean that this might be how bruising can show up?
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Walker
In my experience, white ball pythons can show "pink" for a variety of reasons.
1. Live Feeding - rat bites, claws, pink like bruising for lack of a more scientific explanation.
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"Pink like bruising" is my layman's term Helen. Is it an actual bruise, not 100% sure, but whatever it is, it manifests itself repeatedly after live animal bite and claw attacks.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mblan46
But I always watch him strike and hold the rats (I leave before the rat actually dies and he swallows); so there's no chance for the rat to hurt him.
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I unfortunately think you may be mistaken in your conclusion. A rat only becomes harmless after death. A snake simply holding a rat is not even half the battle. Once you leave the room, what can happen:
1. The snake loses interest, lets go and prey revives. It then goes on to attack the snake through out the night. The snake finally eats it and you return in the morning none the wiser.
2. The snake and rat struggle longer than you think, the rats whips around and catches the snake's tail gnawing on it.
3. The rat is not dead and convulsing nerves in it's legs repeatedly scratch the snake with it's hind legs.
4. Etc.
I would not leave the snake alone until you know the rat is 100% "dead".
I often would allow the snake to strike and wrap the rat, then with tongs I would subdue whatever part of the rat was left to struggle. If it was the head I would pinch the rats mouth so it could not bite. If it was the hind legs I would pinch the legs so they could not kick. Either way, the rat is not dead until it is dead - period.