Braining

[SkyChimp]

No one on this thread has said anything about using slitting to solve regurgitation issues caused by overfeeding or power feeding

You stated, in your first post in this thread, that slitting reduces "the possibility of a regurge, among other things."

Jrgh17 stated, "It's my personal theory that slitting or braining reduces regurges."

Nowhere did I state regurgitation was solely due to overfeeding or powerfeeding. I specifically stated there are several reasons, with the point being that regurgitation, regardless of cause, is an indication of a problem.

Part of the problem with this thread is that neither SkyChimp nor I have had to deal with regurge issues. As far as I can tell, we have three snakes between us, and we've both been on this forum for less than six months.

I've kept snakes for the better part of 30 years. My corn snake and king snake are my first captive-bred snakes and are as much my son's snakes as mine. In addition, I've got close relatives and friends that keep Boa Constrictors, Ball Pythons, Rosy Boas, King Snakes, Corns Snakes and Rat Snakes, among others.

In all that time, the only regurgitations I've ever witnessed were that of wild snakes regurgitating in response to being caught. I've never had to deal with snakes that regurgitated in response to poor husbandry, being fed a reasonably sized meal at reasonable increments, or other controllable reasons. Neither have my friends or relatives that I know of.

Now, I will admit that there is no doubt wild snakes are more hardy and generally more robust than captive breds. Wild snakes don't have the inherent weaknesses associated with captive bred snakes that come from a long process of inbreeding. There is no doubt there are some "defective" captive-bred snakes out there that will suffer from some regurgitation syndromes even though outwardly appearing normal and healthy.

However, regurgitation is not usual. If it's happening in the face of proper husbandry and proper feeding, there there is a problem. The problem, again, IS NOT that the snake is not being fed a slit mouse. A healthy snake should be able to tolerate an unslit mouse without regurgitating. If you have to slit the mouse to prevent regurgitation, it may solve the regurgitation symptom, but it does not solve the underlying problem.

If you are the owner of a snake that regurgiates no matter your husbandry techniques or feeding practices, slitting makes sense. If you've had an otherwise healthy snake that suddenly can't keep its food down, then slitting is a band-aid.

 

[Jrgh17]

Okay, neither myself nor snakespeare have indicated at any point that we're having rampaging problems with regurges. We're not using slitting or braining as a band-aid for our husbandry.

There is a very distinct difference between a) believing there is a correlation between snake health and slitting (i.e. ease of digestion) and b) using slitting to "solve" regurgitation issues. It is in this distinction where we seem to be misunderstanding eachother. I agree in the sense that if a snake is regurging, slitting or braining the mouse will not fix the problem. I have already stated that I use slitting as a "fail-safe" in case circumstances beyond my control threaten the health of my animals.

I have seen no ill effects from slitting mice, nor have I seen any reports of this tactic exhibiting a negative effect on the animal. And let's face it, it's very nice to see an enthusiastic feeding response so I can grab my camera and snap away. Slitting works for me. If you see it as harmful or unnatural, then don't do it. I'll continue to slit mice as long as I have no reason to believe it is causing my snakes any harm.

 

[SkyChimp]

Okay, neither myself nor snakespeare have indicated at any point that we're having rampaging problems with regurges. We're not using slitting or braining as a band-aid for our husbandry.

Listen, nobody said you did. Don't get irrational. My post speaks for itself. Either you understand its meaning, even after I have clarified it, or you still don't.

My meaning, for the third time, is that regurgitation in captivity is usually related to husbandry issues, or feeding issues. Sometimes, however, it's simply a condition a captive bred snake develops. If, however, the regurgitation is related to husbandry or feeding issues, slitting a mouse is not a resolution for the fundamental, underlying problem. <<<<<< That’s my point, and that’s the ONLY point I am making.

Nobody said YOU were over feeding. Nobody said YOU practiced poor husbandry. If you practice slitting just because you want to, more power to you. However, I don't see that it’s necessary IF you practice proper husbandry, IF you practice proper feeding practices, and IF you don't have a snake that has developed some sort of regurgitation syndrome in spite of proper husbandry and feeding practices. It seems to me you are anticipating a potential problem that shouldn't be an issue. In essence, you are fixing something that isn’t broken. But if you want to, that's up to you, and there is nothing wrong with it.

 

[Jrgh17]

If, however, the regurgitation is related to husbandry or feeding issues, slitting a mouse is not a resolution for the fundamental, underlying problem. <<<<<< That’s my point, and that’s the ONLY point I am making.

I understand your point, and have agreed with you:

I agree in the sense that if a snake is regurging, slitting or braining the mouse will not fix the problem.

However, as I've attempted to explain, I'm talking about a completely different use of the tactic. I use slitting as a preventative measure, or as you put it "fixing something that isn't broken". I like to be prepared. It works for me.

 

[DogStar5988]

I have to say, I do it to increase growth rate. I admit, I want my snake to grow into an adult as soon as possible, now granted I do not powerfeed and I wouldn't try and increase growth by any means that may be harmful/stressful. Honestly I just find my hatchling to be difficult to handle because he is so small and jumpy and I am hoping that when he grows he will be easier to handle. But this is just me, I don't see any problem doing something harmless to make him grow faster.


---Kenny

 

[Snakespeare]

There is a very distinct difference between a) believing there is a correlation between snake health and slitting (i.e. ease of digestion) and b) using slitting to "solve" regurgitation issues. It is in this distinction where we seem to be misunderstanding eachother.

Nicely put. I'm done here.

 

[SkyChimp]

I understand your point, and have agreed with you:

Thank you. I glad one of you understand.

However, as I've attempted to explain, I'm talking about a completely different use of the tactic. I use slitting as a preventative measure, or as you put it "fixing something that isn't broken". I like to be prepared. It works for me.

I understand that.