Junior eathing 1st F/T UPDATE

[shawnster]

Well, I feed Junior his first F/T Saturday night and he took it no problem. I waited until tonight to handle him after he eat. I opened up the lid to his tank and an awful smell hit me. Then I seen the partly digested mouse that he threw up in the corner. Right now I'm getting everything out to clean up really good. What could cause that?? Maybe not thawed out enough or too big?? Help me out please. Should I try again tommorrow night or wait a couple more days??? Thanks in advance for all the help.

Thanks again.
Shawn

[led4urhead]

It could have been any number of factors. Too big and not thawed out enough definitely come to mind as well as stress. I would definitely wait a couple of days. When is your next scheduled feeding day? Almost at the bottom of the first page of this thread Tigergenesis gave a great way to thaw rodents. You might wanna check it out: http://www.ball-pythons.net/index.ph...ewtopic&t=4929

[Marla]

Definitely wait at least 5 days before trying to feed again, preferably longer, as it's quite traumatic for their digestive systems to regurgitate.

[shawnster]

I normally feed on Saturday evenings. Should I just wait until Saturday again to feed?? Should I try F/T again or feed live so he will eat then try F/T the next feed??? And also should I keep from handling until the next feed?? I read the suggestion in Tigergenesis and I'm gonna try that on my next F/T attempt. Again, thanks for he help.

Shawn

[led4urhead]

I would definitely wait until Saturday to attempt feeding again. If you are sure you get the rat completely thawed ( head is not cold anymore ), i'd stick with f/t. It is definitely the way to go. If not, try pre-killed. Live isnt a good option. Let us know how it turns out!

[Marla]

If you can stand it, wait until Monday or so to try feeding again, or even a day or two longer. This gives him time to heal up and time to build an appetite so that he's less likely to refuse the f/t prey. But definitely wait at least until Saturday.

[shawnster]

Thanks for the help....can I handle him this week or should I leave him alone until he takes another meal??

[Marla]

Light handling should be okay. You don't want to stress him, but as long as he's past the point of striking or balling up every time you reach for him it should be okay to handle some.