feeding switch?

[vwranger02]

At what point (size or age) does it become appropriate to start feeding a Bp rats instead of mice? I still have my Bp (just under a year old) feeding on mice, although I usually feed him once every 4 or 5 days because the mice are now smaller than the thickest part of his body. Most rats that i see in stores however, are still thicker than his body so i am hesitant to feed him one. Any recommendations?

[JamminJonah]

well - some people feed mice for the life of the BP but this must be achieved through multiple feedings eventually. The best time to switch to rats is whenever you feel the need or prepared. It helps to scent the rats with mice at the begining. So keep a mouse on hand to rub on your rats before feeding at first in case your bp won't take rats straight off. Rodentpro.com is a great source. Basically the time to switch to rats is if you feel it is necessary, and when you feel most comfortable.

*edit* it's okay if the prey item is slightly larger than the mid section (I believe 10% is often the guideline) If large mice aren't making a lump in him it's probably time for rats. What age mice are you feeding and what age rats are available?

[Adam_Wysocki]

You do know that you actually don't ever need to switch your snakes to rats right? A ball python can live it's entire life feeding on adult mice. I have several males and females that are adults, great breeders and only eat mice.

I'd say if you want to switch to rats for your own reasons (convenience, cost, etc) then wait until you think your snake can comfortably consume the size rats that you have access to.

Hope this helps.

-adam

[daniel1983]

Give feeding multiple mice a try if you are worried about switching over to rats or dont have access to them. You snake will do just fine on multiple mice. I feed both of my bps multiple mice because mice are easier for me to breed. You feed multiples the same way you would feed singles. Feed one....when the bp starts moving around again feed another. It may take one or two tries to get them to take two mice but that is just fine. That is a great alternative to feeding rats. Hope that helps.

[elevatethis]

I've got a female who is imprinted on mice, it seems. Good to hear from you Adam, that you have breeding females who also do the same.

I've noticed the second mouse in a multiple feeding session is taken more enthusatically than the first. Once they get in that mode, they could probably just eat eat eat....

Adam - how exactly do you go about the multiple feedings? I feed live, and she constricts each. I wonder if it would be less stressful to feed a live first and then a p/k mouse right after...but then again if they are used to striking and constricting, they may not want to eat one that isn't moving...what do you think?

[Adam_Wysocki]

Adam - how exactly do you go about the multiple feedings?

When I check the box and see that the first prey item is gone, I toss in a second, or third, etc.

-adam

[elevatethis]

When I check the box and see that the first prey item is gone, I toss in a second, or third, etc.

-adam

Simple enough, thanks!

[PrincessErica]

You can still mimic life-like movements with a PK. When they take PK or FT, they still strike and coil and "kill" it before eating it, so if they're in hunt mode, I don't see why trying a PK would hurt.

[xXGregXx]

how could i tell when my bp (rocky) is looking 4 more food i feed live and i take him out of his cage and put him in a fairly large box 2 feed. He is getting pretty large looks like he's getting ready 4 a shed but i was wondering would it b better 2 feed him 2 mice insted of 1. it doenst look like 1 mouce is doing anything but i dont wanna buy 2 mice feed him1 and have him not eat the other