Feeding f/t for the first time

[goshelby]

First off, I want everyone to know that I am well aware that it's not a huge deal for a BP to go off feed or skip a meal. But I have horrible anxiety & stuff like this will keep me awake for days so I need some reassuring...

Today, is my new 6 month old BPs feeding day. I got him at a local expo last Saturday. The breeder told me he was feeding him Rat Fuzzies & his feeding day was Thursday. So I got the rat & so on & things were good.

I was planning on feeding him during his "active" hours around 630ish when he normally starts to get up & moving but my Softball coach let me know that practice ha been moved from 5-7 & I'm really sick so I didn't want to have to wait until that late just so I could go to bed early (lol), so I decided to try to feed him now. He was in his hideout sleeping so I gently picked it up & stroked him to let him know I was there. Could this be why he wouldn't take the food because he was just awoken or does it even matter?

& then I got him out to put him in his feeding tub that I have for him & all he did was curl up in a ball. I dangled the rat, I moved it around, made it look like he was scrumptious but he didn't move at all. So I gave up & put him back in his tank so that he could relax. I was planning on trying again after i get home from my practice while he's not asleep. Would that be okay to try again later today? Tomorrow? Or do I just need to wait until next week? Anything will help. Trying not to get myself upset. I just want the best for my Ball. Thank you!


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[h20hunter]

There will be many comments from much more experienced owners than I. However, put him back in his normal enclosure ( feels secure ), limit handling (feels secure), and give him time to acclimate (feel secure), don't stress it, wait a few days ( feels secure ). Then offer.

[sho220]

then I got him out to put him in his feeding tub that I have for him & all he did was curl up in a ball.

That's your problem. Feed him in his enclosure, not a separate one.

[AlexisFitzy]

That's your problem. Feed him in his enclosure, not a separate one.

Totally agree with this. Also how did you warm up the rat before you offered it?


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[goshelby]

I don't want him associating my hand with food. Everything that I've read says it's best to feed them in a separate tub or container so that they associate that container with food to avoid getting bit by him thinking my hand reaching into the tank is food. & I thawed it in a bowl full of warm water for 45 minutes or so in a small sandwich baggie & then when it was thawed all the way through it was a little damp so I blowed dried it to get it dry.
I'm not going to feed him in his enclosure, I've read way too many books and articles and caresheets about how they will (or could, of course) mistake your hand for food.
I think it was just too much for him. He's only been here for a week.


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[goshelby]

If I fed him in his tank, should I try to do it again tonight or wait a couple days? That's what I really need to know.


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[sho220]

I don't want him associating my hand with food. Everything that I've read says it's best to feed them in a separate tub or container so that they associate that container with food to avoid getting bit by him thinking my hand reaching into the tank is food.

They don't associate things like containers with food...they associate rodent scent (and to a lesser degree a heat signature) with food...

[goshelby]

Obviously but what I don't want is for him to get used to just food dropping into his cage.


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[goshelby]

I'll try whatever, I just want him to eat.


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[sho220]

Obviously but what I don't want is for him to get used to just food dropping into his cage.


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Obviously you've already got it all figured out...