Switching to f/t from live - timing

[Kermit262]

We just got our baby pieball two days ago. She's two months old and 103 grams. The breeder was feeding her live baby rats (crawlers, I think). We want to switch her to frozen/thawed. My question regards the timing. I'd like to do it ASAP, but I'm thinking that I should first concentrate on getting her to feed regularly, then try the switch to f/t. Is this sound thinking, or should I just start trying the f/t?

Secondly, I was going to try feeding in 4 or 5 days. But she's bluing. Should I wait for her to complete the shed cycle first? And if so, how long until after she has shed should I wait?

I've read through many threads, but need specific advice.

I've also ordered "The Complete Ball Python" by Kevin McCurley.

Thanks,
Bob

[dc4teg]

im not sure on when to switch but how can u post a question about a new PIEBALD with out pics

[Bleepr]

I'd take the shed as an oportunity to switch to f/t, typically they get VERY hungry after shed. Make sure to pre-scent the area and all that good stuff, and get the rat plenty hot, she should tag it. If not, you might need to do "the dead rat dance", basically hold it behind its fore limbs (with tongs of course) and make it look like its alive (wiggle it close to the floor of the cage.) She shouldn't even notice a difference

If that doesn't work, however, get her feeding regularly on the crawlers(say once a week for a month or 2) and after shes feeding well try maybe once every 4-6 weeks to get her on f/t. Keep her feeding durring that time, but if you get a wild hair, try a f/t. Normally, since she used to rats already, she should know the scent and recognize it as food and go for it.

The switch can involved starving, so its good to do it on older snakes, but with some persistance you should be able to get her over to f/t no problem. I say getting her to eat is better then what shes eatting, for the time being.

[Kermit262]

dc1 - she's explored her cage plenty, but when I get the camera out it's a different story. So here's your pic:



Isn't she beautiful?

Thanks for the advice Bleepr. It seems sound, I just don't want to blow her feeding opportunity and want to make sure she eats.