Cross over from Live to F/T

[BPdad]

Well, I just found out yesterday that my local pet shop, might add the ONLY one in town that sells live feeder mice, will be going out of business after 15 years the end of December. I figure I must now cross over the from Live to F/T on both of my Ball Python and my Corn Snake.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has been forced to do this, so can anyone give me some tips on how to do so or at least some links to where this has been discussed in past?

Bum'n!

[recycling goddess]

hey no problem at all. you never put a f/t in the microwave. that's rule number one LOL

i prefer to just put the prey into a bowl with HOT water in it... cover, let it sit for 5 minutes, dump out the hot water and let it sit for another minute or two... then i get my tongs out and grab a prey item (towel dry it off a bit) and then dangle it near the opening of the hide my snake is in. they snap it up pretty quick.

most of mine no longer need the "i'm a prey item dance" and i just place it near the opening of their hide and they munch it down.

IF they don't eat it right away... warm it up again (as they need it to be warm... they look for heat!) and try again. but if they don't eat it... just refreeze it (maximum once IMO) and wait for another week.

they will eventually take it, at least all mine have.

[ErikH]

I do basically the same thing, except I put the mouse in a ziploc baggie first, and I leave it in for like 15 minutes, changing the water halfway through so it is still nice and warm. For some reason, my Monty won't take them when they are wet.