Questions about switching to rats...

I am trying to get Atticus to switch to rats, and he has No interest in them. I'm not sure if it's the size or the unfamiliar smell, but he will just slither away and hide when they are offered. I tried to thaw a mouse with the rat, but that did not help. I guess I could ask the pet store for mouse bedding, but my hope is that he will just give in eventually.

Side note - classic blunders:
1. Never get involved in a land war in Asia
2. Never go in against a Cecilian when death is on the line
3. Never try to beat a cold-blooded animal at a waiting game

*sigh*

Questions:
1. How long should I try before Giving up?
2. Are rats always so stinky when they are thawed/warmed, or did I get a bad batch? The two I have thawed out so far are WAY more fragrant than mice.

I offered my BP his first rat last week. He took it right away. I don't think rats are supposed to smell as bad as mice. You should keep offering as long as you like. It can take months months to switch them over I have heard. Try feeding live of you haven't already. Best of luck!

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Fortunately my BP doesn't have a preference. I feed him either, depending on what the local pet store has in stock on feeding day. But I would definitely try feeding him a live rat first. Couple of fuzzies or pups depending on his size.

You know what? Give him what he wants. These guys are captives and they go through a lot with us and for us. The least we can do is give them what they like to eat. We spend so much time trying to make them take what they don't want. Give him mice and just try a rat every third feeding and if he doesn't want it , so what.:salute:

He's 600 grams, so my hope is that he could handle a small adult rat

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Shamri

He's 600 grams, so my hope is that he could handle a small adult rat

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I know, but don't sweat it. As long as he is eating that's what really counts.:salute: