Questions about feeding new BP

Hey everyone, I just found this site, and have been doing some reading!

I am just starting to consider feeding my ball in his tank. I got him March 18th, and he hasn't eaten yet. I have been trying frozen/thawed in a seperate tank. They have been off white with spots, of varying sizes. I have tried refreezing, which seemed silly, and didn't do anything anyway, I have tried setting it under a heat lamp, and piercing the heads... So far nothing. I think I have tried feeding him four seperate times.

Anyway, I was reading here how possible it is to feed them in their home. However, I have the loose aspen substrate, and I read that can cause problems. Is that just that it gets stuck on the mouse? How bad is it? Is it a slim possibility? What other substrate works with ball pythons?

Is the only concern about live feeding that the feeder stinks up the place peeing?

I'm totally going to check out that feeding tips video soon, as I currently have company (who I'm ignoring, heehee).

Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can offer!

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Originally Posted by Azaria

Is the only concern about live feeding that the feeder stinks up the place peeing?

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Feeders can bite your snake if fed live and should not be left alone with the snake, but if he wont take frozen it may end up being an only option. Usually they are okay with the substrate, but it does happen where they ingest some of it. Newspaper is my favourite substrate, clean, and free.

Does the ink on the paper not effect them?

I don't know how selfish this is, but I like the natural, attractive look of the substrate, because it is in the living room (no other place for it), I dressed the tank up pretty snazzy.

are younger mice an easier option? how defensive are hoppers?

Does the ink on the paper not effect them?

Modern newspaper inks are apparently harmless.

I don't know how selfish this is, but I like the natural, attractive look of the substrate, because it is in the living room (no other place for it), I dressed the tank up pretty snazzy.

I just lay a sheet of newspaper over the substrate when feeding and remove it after.

are younger mice an easier option? how defensive are hoppers?

I don't feed live so someone else here will be far better qualified to answer that one, but I DO feed in the tank. Very debatable subject though, this one!

Good luck!

If I were to feed f/t in the tank, how long is it alright to leave it there before it's chalked up to a failure?

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Originally Posted by Azaria

If I were to feed f/t in the tank, how long is it alright to leave it there before it's chalked up to a failure?

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Overnight should be fine. I'd throw it away in the morning if it's still there.

Impaction via substrate ingestion is rarely an issue. I don't think I have ever heard of a ball python becoming impacted from substrate. The only thing to worry about is if a piece of aspen gets stuck in their mouth and they can't get it out. This doesn't happen very often but if it does you can just remove it yourself. Other substrate options are newspaper, paper towels, or cypress mulch. I prefer paper towels. Makes for a nice clean environment.

Live feeding is not as dangerous as people make it seem. Yes accidents can happen, but usually these accidentally happen under the not so watchful eye of an inexperienced keeper. Just watch your snake while the rodent is still alive and everything will be fine. There are plenty of people who only feed live to their large collections and they have only had a bit here and there in the many years of feeding live.

As for f/t, I feed late in the evening and take out refused meals in the morning. I will offer it to the snake first (dangle it by some tongs) and if they don't strike within a few minutes, I just lay it in the enclosure.