Converting Live to Frozen/Thawed

Just wanted to share....

So I had a recent addition that was currently feeding on live rats only. When I got him I of course wanted to get him over to feed frozen/thawed. First feeding.....nothing. Just hissed at the thawed rat and slithered away. I was a bit worried but remained patient.

So waited another week and offered again at next feeding and he took! Then last night he took again at his second feeding! Just wanted to share this morning.


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Originally Posted by ceh23

Just wanted to share....

So I had a recent addition that was currently feeding on live rats only. When I got him I of course wanted to get him over to feed frozen/thawed. First feeding.....nothing. Just hissed at the thawed rat and slithered away. I was a bit worried but remained patient.

So waited another week and offered again at next feeding and he took! Then last night he took again at his second feeding! Just wanted to share this morning.


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I've read pretty much almost every thread on this subject but how do you thaw/present them? I've tried everything and my bp will smell it and come out of his hide a little bit but he's never struck

I take out of the freezer and put it in the fridge that morning. By the time I get home from work it is dethawed. I then put it out to get to room temp. I do put it on top of the racks to get to room temperature. I don't know if they smell it....but when I get back they are all out and moving around.

I then put them under a heat lamp for a few minutes. When I am ready to present I put the rat's head right next to the lamp for about 10 seconds and then present. So far this has worked for me for all 5 of my BPs.


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I'll give that a try. I've tried hot water, blow drier, room temp, braining and even chicken broth. Thanks for the reply. My Bp has been in hunt mode for a few days so hopefully I get him switched this week.

OP, way to go. I've managed to convert all mine. The only time the adults get live any more is about a week after they lay. It seems to get them back on the program quicker.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ceh23

I take out of the freezer and put it in the fridge that morning. By the time I get home from work it is dethawed. I then put it out to get to room temp. I do put it on top of the racks to get to room temperature. I don't know if they smell it....but when I get back they are all out and moving around.

I then put them under a heat lamp for a few minutes. When I am ready to present I put the rat's head right next to the lamp for about 10 seconds and then present. So far this has worked for me for all 5 of my BPs.


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I have almost the exact same process. Instead of under a lamp I run it under warm water (in a bag) For a few minutes.

When I present the rat I scratch at the substrate with my tongs until the snakes poke their head out then offer it just far enough away that they have to come out of the hide. I usually offer it tail first because it is softer and my snakes strike hard. Plus it is easier to grip rats with tongs by the skull. I shake it then hold it still then wiggle it then still until they strike. My little one will come out and tag a rat within 2 seconds it seems but the oldest ones and my sand boa need some more coaxing. All my snakes have "only accepted live" but I've had zero trouble feeding f/t. The first time I try i also wait an extra two or three days too and it has yet to fail me :)

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Have you had snakes that you kept on live for a while and then switched to f/t? Or do you always try and convert immediately upon getting them? I'm a newbie and am just trying to get ours to eat live. Wondering if it'll be an issue to try and convert her later.

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Originally Posted by BPGator

Have you had snakes that you kept on live for a while and then switched to f/t? Or do you always try and convert immediately upon getting them? I'm a newbie and am just trying to get ours to eat live. Wondering if it'll be an issue to try and convert her later.

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Method one. Can't hurt to try frozen thawed first. I've had ones that have always had live immediately take f/t. If this doesn't work go to method two.

Method two. Feed what it was being fed before you got it until it has a few meals in your care, then switch to F/T and get ready for the possibility of having to show some tough love.