What to feed my boy

[SCWood]

He is 1445g, 4ft, and 6 years old. Was abused; left with rats that chewed on him. And now is afraid of rats. Will only take live mice. Hadn't eaten for several months but I recently fed him 3 mice. What should be be eating?



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[Stewart_Reptiles]

He should be eating what works, if mice work than feed mice 3 large adults once a week will be more than enough for a male.

[Lizardlicks]

If you really want him on rats, you're probably gonna have to desensitize him to the previous trauma. Try feeding him rats that are the same size as the mice if he'll take them, then work your way slowly up in size. Don't rush things, the key to desensitization and over coming fear with most everything is to be patient.

[wendhend]

If he won't take smaller size rats readily, consider scenting them with dirty mouse bedding, so they smell more like what he has been taking well.

[MontyAndMelissa]

I had the same problem with Monty. She was attacked by rats before I got her (scarring is starting to go away! Yay!) I worked my way up in size.

[SCWood]

Update: I was told by my MIL to STARVE him until he eats f/t rats. Don't worry I disregarded her statement. I will start working my way up and hopefully he will start taking small rats. Two days ago, he took a small mouse and I had to return the other 3. Perhaps he was only expecting one prey item? He won't even LOOK at f/t ANYTHING but I'm hoping he may change his ways (doubtful, since he's 6!). Wish me luck!

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[MontyAndMelissa]

Update: I was told by my MIL to STARVE him until he eats f/t rats. Don't worry I disregarded her statement. I will start working my way up and hopefully he will start taking small rats. Two days ago, he took a small mouse and I had to return the other 3. Perhaps he was only expecting one prey item? He won't even LOOK at f/t ANYTHING but I'm hoping he may change his ways (doubtful, since he's 6!). Wish me luck!

1.2 Normal
1.1 Red-tail
0.1 Albino corn

How are you heating up your f/t prey? I defrost them, when they're completely soft I bring them in the room and super heat them with a blow dryer until their head and hips are approx 90 degrees. Then I do the zombie jig. She always takes.

[pbyeerts]

Getting him to eat anything is what's important now. There's nothing wrong with eating live mice and going to f/t rAts later. Making feeding time a positive experience will help him gain confidence.

How did u offer the live mice? Some snakes want a break between each one, others will eat them right after one another.

[SCWood]

How are you heating up your f/t prey? I defrost them, when they're completely soft I bring them in the room and super heat them with a blow dryer until their head and hips are approx 90 degrees. Then I do the zombie jig. She always takes.

I defrost until soft, get the snakes in their feeding tubs, and then place them in the hottest water I can run. Then I jiggle them in front of the snakes and they take...usually

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1.1 Red-tail
0.1 Albino corn

[SCWood]

Getting him to eat anything is what's important now. There's nothing wrong with eating live mice and going to f/t rAts later. Making feeding time a positive experience will help him gain confidence.

How did u offer the live mice? Some snakes want a break between each one, others will eat them right after one another.

I offered him one and it took some coaxing but he took it. Second one he went up to, poked with his nose, and turned away from. I waited almost an hour and stayed with him before I took it out.

1.2 Normal
1.1 Red-tail
0.1 Albino corn