Obviously Misty responded to my post completely off the cuff. She did NOT read the post with a calm or clear head. Her response is not surprising. The intent of my original post was not to discuss the pros and cons of what to feed - but rather to NOT be hasty to govern those that choose a different method or even what animal one can choose to have as a companion. I do not have s-n-a-k-e-S (as in plural) - I have ONE snake. I stated "Slinky" is a corn snake, therefore of the "rat" snake family, which do NOT get large enough to consume rabbits (or ferrets). So to answer Misty's "horrified" query directly - NO, I do NOT feed rabbits to my snake; but YES, I do feed RABBIT to my ferrets! Currently the rabbits they consume have been from a butcher shop - and have been prepped and dressed for human consumption. But I am scouting for a source of fresh rabbit, because some butcher shops use rabbit that originates in China, and I refuse to use that source. So I inquire as to the origin of the rabbit and only purchase it if it comes from a local source. I have received a few PMs from folks who appreciated my post for what it was meant to be - a heads up to people who insist that all pets should be warm and fuzzy and that because we domesticated the animal it somehow is supposed to be better off if the human denies it's natural needs, instincts and abilities; and that we need yet one more law to force other people to think like the law givers! Do I think ferrets are more warm and fuzzy than rabbits? Well, in what connotation? Both have fur, are mammals and prone to crazy antics; but on the whole, yes I DO prefer ferrets to rabbits! I also prefer ferrets to cats, dogs and birds! What's the point? Maybe Misty was wondering if I thought snakes were more warm and fuzzy than rabbits? Well, that has to be a reounding , NO! Snakes are, afterall, cold blooded and have no fur! I've had plenty of discussions with people regarding domesticity and the animal's biologic needs. Simply put unless we domesticate the ferret(cat and dog too) to the point of changing it's teeth to the cutting incisors and grinding molars of an herbivore as well as create a digestive system that takes at least 24 hours to complete and evolves a ceacum - then the simple fact remains these animals ARE indeed carnivores and thrive when offered a diet that imitates what they evolved to eat before humans opted to house them! Way too many pets develop neurotic, self destructive habits when their natural needs are not met. Selecting an animal to be a companion means more than fitting the animal to your decor. Offering an animal optimal health means offering above and beyond the basics or "minimum nutritional requirements". Emotional, mental and physical stimulation from natural activities keep that animal happiest and healthiest. No amount of colorful tubes, squeaky plush toys, soft fuzzy blankets, flowery smelling shampoos can create happiness for a ferret when compared to a mound of dirt, a pile of leaves, dewy grass and a real mouse! I don't expect people who Do NOT venture into the natural world with their ferrets to "get it" - many never will make the attempt. Some will, and if they give their indoor ferrets enough time to relax and explore the outdoors, they'll soon see real joy course through their ferrets. If they venture in to the natural feeding and allow full predatory activities, they'll see yet one more level of happiness unveiled in their small fuzzy friend. Offering my ferrets natural activities in no way reduces their domesticity! Quite to the contrary offering my ferrets the chance to simply do what comes naturally to them has in fact rehabilitated former vicious biters, empowered timid ones to be bold, and turned elderly obese ferrets into strong, active companions capable of extended activity! Denying what is inherent within the ferret is unhealthy! Ferrets are predatory carnivores that have been bred to be human companions. Originally to keep the human' dwellings free of vermin. No amount of keeping them indoors and in cages will change what they are. Do I feed live prey to my carnivorous pets? Yep! Why? Because it DOES offer the ferrets yet one more enrichment and a natural outlet for their need to sink their teeth into something! My ferrets dispatch a mouse, rat, or chick in mere split seconds as a rule. The animal hardly gets out a squeak. Up until that point the animal had a clean home, fresh food and water, companions and room to exercise. Their life to that point was carefully tended to. I DO say a prayer of thanks for the nourishment they will offer to my ferrets. The simple fact is, at least where the mice are concerned, is they never would have had ANY life, if it wasn't for my breeding them to BECOME dinner! Maybe Misty ( and others) think all ranchers are barbaric for breeding, feeding, housing, supplying veterinary care to cattle. turkey, hogs, chickens, sheep and geese? Wonder how many ranchers offered the animals a chance to fight back? How does what I eat have anything to do with what offers optimal nutrition for my ferrets? My system has evolved on a completely different path and utilizes completely different forms of food! But to assuage Misty's curiosity - I TRY to eat as MUCH natural food as I can - alas, I still do devour processed foods and NO, I don't eat raw animals - unless sushi counts? And yes, the processed foods ARE likely slowly poisoning me - but dang that Twinkie tastes good! I'm smart enough to realize not to make a complete diet of Twinkies, or even allow them to be a major part of my diet. Our companion animals have no choice but to eat what we supply to them. I happen to choose to supply them what suits THEM best - not what is most convenient for me! Although feeding mice is definitely rather easy - no muss, no fuss, completely packaged meal, with a handle no less! Not everyone will venture into such natural experiences with their ferrets and I definitely do NOT expect that those so closed minded would attempt to enact laws to impose their narrow minded views upon what I choose to offer to my ferrets. Open your mind - your horizons will broaden - I guarantee it! Regards, Kim [Posted in FML 6386]