Food change tips please

[Uk2bx]

Hi , so I've had my bp for a couple of weeks now , she ate a large adult f/t mouse last Saturday and I've been advised she's big enough to eat a small - medium rat , so I got a rat and a back up couple of mice , when I try feeding should I offer the rat first as is ? Or should I rub one of the mouses on the rat to scent it ? One other thing , she's in shed at the moment and has spent the last 6 days or so in her hot hide , is this normal ?
Just to mention , the temps are good and I'm trying to keep up the humidity , misting twice a day , big water dish and a small bowl with moss on the hot side .
Thanks Jamie .

[The Serpent Merchant]

Start off with the rat as is, only take further measures if needed.

When shedding BP's will almost always stay in their hide for extended periods. they can't see very well and feel vulnerable. Remember a hiding BP is a happy BP

[Uk2bx]

Thanks , I will give the rat a try when she's done shedding

[whispersinmyhead]

From what I have read BP's tend to imprint a little on certain prey items so feeding mice will become a pain when they are older and of course there is the internet controversy surrounding what is healthier but rats seem to make more sense for most. The sooner the better for getting them on rats is what I have gathered.

Good luck!

[mbaker8686]

I had a pastel female for the last two years who i fed mice to, and after I picked up more snakes this year i put her on f/t small rats and she took them with no problem. Some can be more picky, but some it is an easy switch.

I hope this change goes as easy for you as it did for me, she is pounding 80 gram rats every Tuesday, and she starts looking for them on Monday (i think she would eat every 4 days if I offered). Since the snake is already taking f/t i wouldn't think it would be too hard.