First Snake! Need MAJOR help also feeding?

Hey! I really hope this forum will help me with owning my own ball python snake. I am buying a female snake 1400 grams around 2 years old that eats small mice and ASFs weekly. I was told she is a great eater but I would like to see if feeding frozen would be better for her and me. Considering I have never own a snake yet bring harm to any animal, this is making me very nervous. I do want her to be well taken care of and healthy living a lengthy lifespan but I am scared to feed mice to her. For many reasons, they could get hurt, sick by parasites, and its also way easier for me. I had an idea of buying frozen mice, thawing them, blow drying their fur, and try that. If she doesn't eat it like that maybe attaching a string to the tail will help? I read online that feeding frozen wouldn't have protein for her, is this true? Could she still be healthy living off of frozen mice? I could always try feeding live mice or ASFs once a month but it still doesn't set right in my stomach. I have friends who would help me the first few times. I am trying to be open to the idea of feeding live mice or ASFs but I would be very eager to start her on a frozen diet. The original owner of the snake seems not to have an attachment to her and wants to get rid of her ASAP. He was going to give me her in a plastic container on a decently busy road. I wont be doing this because I feel very uncomfortable having a larger snake in a small plastic box and also I have to get the tank. I will be getting the tank, heater, and etc.. from the original owner. I believe she is well taken care of just not wanted which to me is saddening. I been wanting a snake for years and am usually home for the most part. I know she tends not to eat with shedding. For the moment, I am mostly concerned with the diet. From her pictures she is a big girl, looks healthy, and seems active. Any advice on feeding and just helpful tips will be very appreciated. :)

There is nothing wrong with feeding frozen if she takes it. If that is what you'd like to feed then you should give it a shot. Heat it up well, use tongs/hemostats and "walk" the mouse around like its alive a short distance in front of her face. For one of my snakes that I switched to f/t I had to heat the mouses head to a higher temperature than its body for the first few feedings. Its theorized that this more naturally mimics the heat signature of a mouse. Whether it is true or not I don't know, all I know is it worked for me. I'm unsure what you meant by

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If she doesn't eat it like that maybe attaching a string to the tail will help?

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Please don't feed your snake string.

Also you should be prepared to feed live if she wont adapt to frozen/thawed. I've always been able to switch them but I've heard there are some that just wont do it.

Hi,

Frozen/ Thawed prey is fine for your snake if it will eat it - I have never used anything else in the last 20 years. ;)

Heating the head of it once defrosted is important so your plan should work. Though it may take several attempts for her to agree with you.

At her size I would say she is capable of eating a small rat so you can also try her on those - though you can get F/T ASF's as well from some companies.


dr del

How would I heat the head?

I met attaching a string to the tail that's loose enough to pull off but so I can move the mouse around making it appear alive. I didn't know what else I would use but tongs are a great suggestion. Thank you so much!

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Originally Posted by salt

There is nothing wrong with feeding frozen if she takes it. If that is what you'd like to feed then you should give it a shot. Heat it up well, use tongs/hemostats and "walk" the mouse around like its alive a short distance in front of her face. For one of my snakes that I switched to f/t I had to heat the mouses head to a higher temperature than its body for the first few feedings. Its theorized that this more naturally mimics the heat signature of a mouse. Whether it is true or not I don't know, all I know is it worked for me. I'm unsure what you meant by Please don't feed your snake string.

Also you should be prepared to feed live if she wont adapt to frozen/thawed. I've always been able to switch them but I've heard there are some that just wont do it.

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I met attaching a string to the tail that's loose enough to pull off but so I can move the mouse around making it appear alive. I didn't know what else I would use but tongs are a great suggestion. Thank you so much!

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Originally Posted by dr del

Hi,

Frozen/ Thawed prey is fine for your snake if it will eat it - I have never used anything else in the last 20 years. ;)

Heating the head of it once defrosted is important so your plan should work. Though it may take several attempts for her to agree with you.

At her size I would say she is capable of eating a small rat so you can also try her on those - though you can get F/T ASF's as well from some companies.


dr del

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How would I heat the head?

If using a blow dryer you direct the heat at its head for a bit to make it warmer than the body. When I thaw my rodents I put then in little plastic baggies and thaw them out in the fridge. When i need to feed I warm up some water in the microwave (but not to boiling) and put the bag with mouse in it in the water. When it all gets warm I take it out, reheat the water and then hold the mouses head in the hot water for a little bit. Never microwave the mouse itself.

You can buy feeding tongs at pretty much any pet store that sells snakes and/or their supplies.

First work on husbandry and make sure she will keep eating. Good thing is she is a big girl so a feeding fast wont hurt her either.
Just remember keeping a pet is about their well being, not ours.
Live is all I feed.
Faster, easier and I dont have to throw anything away if my snakes dont eat.