Male Spider BP Feeding Issues

Posting from work so exact information is off -

I have a male spider ball python that I bought from a breeder in milwaukee named Tim, who informed me that it was eating weaned rat pups.

I looked at the size of weaned rat pups and then the size of my snake and determined that it should definitly be on a bigger size.( small rat )

I attempted to feed it a small rat and it did not take it, however it did take a FT small mouse. Peculiar.

I am trying to get it to become a strong feeder, and could use advice. I am thinking putting live Weaned rat pups in its enclosure and allowing it to hunt the defensless creatures, and observe it's feeding response and perhaps add a small rat after it has swallowed the weaned rat. Suggestions?

I would offer what the breeder was offering. The spider might prefer a smaller prey item. I would work up to a bigger size, but start out at what he's comfortable eating.

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Originally Posted by Recreation

I am trying to get it to become a strong feeder, and could use advice. I am thinking putting live Weaned rat pups in its enclosure and allowing it to hunt the defensless creatures, and observe it's feeding response and perhaps add a small rat after it has swallowed the weaned rat. Suggestions?

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As has already been mentioned, offer it some of the prey items it's already accustomed to eating. The breeder told you what it was eating for him, try to stick to that until its feeding consistently for you. From there, you can start changing the size or type with less of an issue.

-Jen

That's along the lines of what I was thinking. Thanks for the second opinion. I will keep you updated if you'd like.

Feeding attempt failed. Suggested by local breeders and owners to not feed. It will eat when its hungry. I agree.