Live ASF to F/T Rats

Hi everyone, so I found a great deal on a 1000g female ball python that I really want to purchase, however the only thing that is stopping me is that I was told she is feeding on live ASFs. From what I believe she has been fed solely on ASF since she was a baby. Would it be possible to switch her to F/T Rats? Or is it unlikely she will switch over. There isn't any ASF feeders around my area so I'm worried that if I can't get her to switch, I won't be able to properly care for her. Please lay down some knowledge on me my friends, thanks!

Yes it is possible. And it is also possible that she won't eat. Anything is possible. My snakes can go from live ASF to live Rat without hiccup. And I've heard of snakes who take forever and a day to switch from live rat to frozen rat.

You gotta work on it. Maybe you can talk to the breeder and ask him if he can do the switch over for you.

Being that I'm dealing with a VERY picky eater...
First she wouldn't do f/t, I tried to wait her out and probably too long but she wasn't really loosing any weight... so went with live hopper mouse and bam fed every 5 days without issue. Now trying to get her on rats, she refused the first week, and killed it this week and left it. I'm almost positive she will outlast me again but she may be a mouser for life... I hope not but I know she's hungry but ....

She's only 305 grams and should be an easier switch but no.

Now there are other snakes
that switch without problem.
Point is no one will know until its tried unfortunately :(

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Will she switch time will tell, the easiest way though is to go one step at the time, you don't really want to go from Live ASF to F/T Rats.

I would suggest to go from live ASF to a live rat that is equal in size to an ASF, then once your BP has had a few meals (about 3 to 5) attempt to switch to F/T rats.

Good luck.

Both of my balls readily switch between f/t ASF and rats, with the occasional pre-killed thrown in. I think I'm in the minority with my non-picky eaters, but anything is possible. You really have to go on an individual basis. I too recommend weaning her onto live rats, then gradually make the switch to f/t.

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Originally Posted by jrysmile

hi everyone, from what i believe she has been fed solely on asf since she was a baby. Would it be possible to switch her to f/t rats? Or is it unlikely she will switch over. there aren't any asf feeders around my area so i'm worried that if i can't get her to switch, i won't be able to properly care for her.

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no

If you can't get the current owner to switch her over for you, then no I don't recommend it. I have a female like this, she will only eat ASFs and would rather starve to death than switch, which is a risk you would take in getting this girl. If you really, really, want her, then you'll have to be prepared pay for someone to delta dash you some ASFs so you can start breeding her food.

OP, where are you from?