Explain this feeding response?

Tried feeding for the second time, using F/T fuzzy mice. First time, no response at all (other than a bit of sniffing). Second time, a few days later, he picked the mouse up, dipped it in the water bowl, held it in his mouth for about a minute, then put it down and never touched it again. Does anyone have an analysis of this? BTW, the vendor says he would have eaten live mice before being sold. He's about a 14 inches long.

Thanks.

You know how kids are, always playing with their food ... ;)

Its tricky feeding dead prey. Sometimes the snake just decides it doesn't want it. I "switched" my bp to f/t rats, but she's turned down 2 meals. I know shes still interested in eating because she clearly goes into feeding mode when introduced, but then settles down after further examination of the food.

You need to dangle the prey item with some tongs or hemostats. Just laying a dead rodent in the enclosure will not always trigger the feeding response and all they will do is investigate it. Do the mousey dance and your snake will take it.

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Marla Wrote:
You know how kids are, always playing with their food ...

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Marla you are so silly.

nellie played with her mouse last time before she ate it. :P

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Marla you are so silly.

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Yeah, sorry. :) Sometimes I have a hard time being serious.

For a switch-over attempt, I'd suggest making the f/t mouse "walk" around the cage a bit to attract her attention. You should also be sure that you are warming it up enough (but not too quickly so you avoid cooking it) and that you preserve the delicious mousy odor by keeping it well-sealed during the thawing process.

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Originally Posted by Marla

preserve the delicious mousy odor by keeping it well-sealed during the thawing process.

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There's more than one reason to preserve the "declicious mousy odor." those things reek! We did the mousy dance, but it did not work. I will just wait a week or so and try again.

Thanks to all for your help.

Waiting a week or so and trying again is the best plan, IMHO. Make sure that you do warm it all the way through to a good temp, and she will most likely take it next time you offer or the time after.

I thaw my rats out in the ziploc bag i freeze them in that way they stay nice and stinky.

mmm, dead mouse smell. it's like freshly baked pie smells to us! and you say it reeks! :shock: (my boyfriend, excuse me, my fiance :mrgreen: , would agree.) not to worry though, sometimes it takes a while for them to make the switch. :wink: