Figuring out what my BP wants to eat.

[acroposthion]

New owner of a baby snake, about three months old, fed live mice previously. Got him on Saturday, four days ago, and was told he was fed last Tuesday, a week ago yesterday. Offered him a f/t mouse tonight.

I expected him to either take it or take off from it. Instead I got an utter lack of interest, unless I bumped him with it, and he reacted as though it grossed him out or something Even then, he didn't even look at it. Leaving it in front of his hide for the night, just in case (mostly because I happen to be out of ziplocs and can't refreeze), but I'm expecting to toss it in the morning.

So now I'm planning on trying again this Saturday, and then once every week after. Should I bother with another f/t? And if I go live, what else should I get to keep it alive if it's refused?

[AK907]

Ok, first thing is first. Give your snake a week to get used to its new enclosure. This means no holding, quiet area of the house, the whole 9 yards. Double check your husbandry. There are countless threads on here regarding proper husbandry. A quick search is all ya need.

You can leave the f/t mouse overnight. It won't hurt. If he refuses, pitch it. Give him at least 5-7 days before offering again. As I said before, leave him alone during this time.

Not all ball pythons will take f/t. They are notoriously picky eaters. Being that your ball was an established live eater before I would offer it live until it is eating well for you and you get all the kinks worked out. Then there are countless threads on here about proper switching to f/t.

Keeping leftover live feeders is simple. Get a cheap cage/tank, some rodent block, a water bottle and a some aspen bedding. Just make sure it always has food and water and you're all set.

Lastly, get your ball on rats. Ball pythons can eat appropriate sized rats right out of the egg. Switching while your snake is young will be a lot easier than trying to switch an adult that has imprinted on mice. It is no fun feeding half a dozen mice to an adult ball python every feeding.