Switching prey... live to live

[Crazymonkee]

I know there's a lot out there on switching from live to f/t, but haven't really come across much for switching from live mouse to live rats.

So my question is... is there a trick to it if she won't eat the rat? I have one mouse left and was thinking of switching to rats pups when I buy next.

Thanx for any input!

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[decensored]

depends on what your feeding. Ball pythons are pretty good, I find they switch no problem up to about 300 or 500 grams before you have problems. My hatchlings will usually take either asf, norway, or mice without hesitation or preference. With older animals, the key is persistence. Scenting the new prey animal with the old prey animal's bedding can help.

[Crazymonkee]

She is about 4 months old... I still have to pick up a scale so don't have her weight yet.


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[decensored]

4 months, if being fed appropriately she should be around 300 grams She should switch fine but I would do it now if you're gonna do it, don't let it go too long. Good luck!

[satomi325]

My method to switch from live mice to rats is a little strange.
I actually put both a mouse and a rat into the enclosure at the same time. (slightly smaller size than normal)
And the snakes I've switched have always taken the mouse first, then the rat second. And have been on rats ever since.

And once, one of my girls actually took the rat first and left the mouse.

[treeboa]

My method to switch from live mice to rats is a little strange.
I actually put both a mouse and a rat into the enclosure at the same time. (slightly smaller size than normal)
And the snakes I've switched have always taken the mouse first, then the rat second. And have been on rats ever since.

And once, one of my girls actually took the rat first and left the mouse.

This is what I always do too. It works with f/t too, by the way.

[Crazymonkee]

Great thanx everyone!

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[Crazymonkee]

Darn.. one more... since I had so much trouble with f/t... would you switch to live rats first then after I know she'll take those move on to the f/t after a few meals

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[Darkbird]

Darn.. one more... since I had so much trouble with f/t... would you switch to live rats first then after I know she'll take those move on to the f/t after a few meals

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That's what I would do. One problem at a time as it were. As for switching, I have also had success with rubbing the old prey item itself, rather than the bedding, on the new prey item. I've also just tossed a live rat into the ASF holding bin for a half hour or so and it work well. Got a couple girls that were fed ASF's by the previous owner and they sometimes get picky about taking rats.

[Crazymonkee]

Thanx yeh I was figuring tackle on issue at a time.

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