New snake - Timid.

Hi Guys.

Recently picked up a cute little male Pinstripe - Dexter.
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/09/05/uheda8ep.jpg

He's about 4 months old. Previous owners have fed him weekly and never had any problems. They fed him in his rub and he would take a while to eat. They would leave the mouse in overnight with him.

I want to get him snap feeding in a separate tub from where he lives but I have a feeling that he won't be interested.

Please feel free to offer any advise.

Thanks,
Alex.


1.0 Yellow Belly - Max
1.0 Pinstripe - Dexter

Don't feed him in a separate container. Feeding aggression in ball pythons is a myth - you are more likely to get bitten moving him back out of a feeding tub than for any other reason. Also, please don't leave a live mouse in with him overnight (frozen/thawed or pre-killed is fine).

Live rodents without supervizion is a biggg no no, thats a very nice pinstripe dont have it having scars! =P

Previous owners and me alike feed F/T to our snakes. I would never leave a live mouse in with a snake overnight lol!!

Never said he was fed Live mice.

Just looking for some advice on how to get him more interested in his food!?!?!


1.0 Yellow Belly - Max
1.0 Pinstripe - Dexter

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AlexCaldecott

Previous owners and me alike feed F/T to our snakes. I would never leave a live mouse in with a snake overnight lol!!

Never said he was fed Live mice.

Just looking for some advice on how to get him more interested in his food!?!?!

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You never said one way or the other about the mice the previous owner fed; I just wanted to cover the base, just in case. As far as interest, I let mine thaw to room temp in the room with my snakes (on top of the cage, if it's a tank). Then, blow-dry the head of the rodent for ~30 seconds to get it good and warm, and get the scent going well. My BPs are so conditioned after just a few meals that they automatically poke their heads out when that dryer switches on! Offer with tongs, holding it by the scruff about 3-4 inches from his head or the front of his hide. If he doesn't strike, just leave it in front of the hide entrance. If he's eating, then it sounds like he's plenty interested in his food, it just takes him a little longer to get hunting, or he's shy.

Live would probably get him interested.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrDooLittle

Live would probably get him interested.

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2

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As far as I know it's illegal to feed live in the UK!?! :-(



1.0 Yellow Belly - Max
1.0 Pinstripe - Dexter

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Annarose15

You never said one way or the other about the mice the previous owner fed; I just wanted to cover the base, just in case. As far as interest, I let mine thaw to room temp in the room with my snakes (on top of the cage, if it's a tank). Then, blow-dry the head of the rodent for ~30 seconds to get it good and warm, and get the scent going well. My BPs are so conditioned after just a few meals that they automatically poke their heads out when that dryer switches on! Offer with tongs, holding it by the scruff about 3-4 inches from his head or the front of his hide. If he doesn't strike, just leave it in front of the hide entrance. If he's eating, then it sounds like he's plenty interested in his food, it just takes him a little longer to get hunting, or he's shy.

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Thanks. I'll give the hair drier a go! :-) He's a new little guy so hopefully he will settle in fine! :-)


1.0 Yellow Belly - Max
1.0 Pinstripe - Dexter

For me, the hairdryer trick wouldn't work even with my corn snake. So I started thawing mine in warm water, then adding hot water to bump up the temperature just before feeding it. Pat it dry just a bit and tong feed. My corn instantly locked onto the hot 'temperature' signature coming from her mousey and would strike every time.

I have a picky BP hatchling that is getting fed tonight. We'll be using the same method. Nice, thoroughly warmed up rat fuzzy. Even if he doesn't strike, the heat signature should get him a bit more interested and identify it as food.

For some animals, you just aren't going to get the same 'strike' that you do other snakes. But that's okay :gj: As long as they're eating like good little scalies.