Problems from mice -> rats???

[ODoyle90]

This may be a silly question, but are there sometimes issues switching from mice to rats? I feed f/t and stores around me don't normally stock young rats. My young(ish) BP eats very well (thank god), but I recently found a rat breeder nearby that I was going to use once my current mouse supply runs out. I know rats are more nutritious and I would like to make a permanent switch.

After browsing countless threads, I got an inkling that problems have arisen from switching to rats? If I'm just getting paranoid, feel free to just say so! I just want nothing less than the best for Boomer. He is, afterall, my first ball. Thanks in advance!

just some background:
He is currently eating a large adult mouse every 5 days. He will attack and constrict about 3-10 seconds after sensing the mouse. If there is no problem, then I can't wait to switch and let everyone know how he does. If there sometimes is, he honestly probably wouldn't care and devour it anyways, but better safe than sorry I always say.

[Eric Doane]

I just switched mine over. I fed a small mouse to initiate feeding, then once she had it down I offered a small rat and she took it without hesitation. Best of luck to you.

[AK907]

Some are more of a pain than others. About the only thing to do is give it a try. If he doesn't take to it right away, try scenting the rat with a mouse. I always start my balls on rats, though. Unless there is a valid feeding issue involved, they should always be started out on rats. After the switch, you'll notice a big difference in growth and body weight. Good luck!

[ODoyle90]

Some are more of a pain than others. About the only thing to do is give it a try. If he doesn't take to it right away, try scenting the rat with a mouse. I always start my balls on rats, though. Unless there is a valid feeding issue involved, they should always be started out on rats. After the switch, you'll notice a big difference in growth and body weight. Good luck!

That's the vibe I've gotten. I wish he had been started on rats, but the stores around me jump from large mice to medium rats. The med rats are a bit too big at this point, but that's why I'm glad I got a response about rat breeders around the northern VA region (gotta love this site). I'm pumped about the nutrition value of rats, because my guy is pretty good sized already. I'll be sure to post about his (her?) progress once the switch is made. I'm hoping my BP doesn't flinch at the change. Fingers crossed!

[AK907]

Nah, don't sweat it. Its not as bad as some people will make it out to be. If he is already a good eater, you'll be just fine and have nothing to worry about.

[TheWinWizard]

My Ball will only eat rats I get from my buddy Jack, I've tried Petsmart, Petco, and another source. Nope.

[ogdentrece]

Usually if your snake is still 'young(ish)' it shouldn't be too much of a pain to switch. In my experience at least. Once they get started on meal time theres no stopping them. Its the older ones that are a real annoying ones