Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
The past couple of times I've fed my ball python I noticed that once the mouse get captured that the mouse mouse be trying to bite my BP. After she eat I inspected the general area where this biting appears to have had took place but nothing be there. Then I realized how small the teeth are on a baby mouse. So it couldn't actually do any damage but once my BP starts moving up in meal sizes I don't want the potential injury threat to happen. I tried switching her to F/T 4 times & each time was unsuccessful. I fully unthawed it properly & warm it up to a nice temperature but my bp do not be interested. Soon as I drop a live mouse in with her she immediately goes into hunt mode. I've never had a problem with her feeding live. I believe if I drop a live one in with her everyday that she would eat lol that's how good of an eater she's saw out to be. Any tips for switching to F/T? If I could get her on F/T like that I would be extremely happy.
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
Its a process getting a animal to make the switch from live to frozen thawed. Some will do it quicker than others based on the technique you use or combination thereof. Dont get discouraged either bc we all have been there and the key is persistence and tough love. You may want to consider going with fresh killed as a starting point since the f/t rodents have been consistently refused.
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
How should I go about killing the mouse? I think that would be a great way to start.
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
So I should feed live for a few times allowing my BP to hide out while letting the mouse roam around? Then one time switch & go with F/T wiggling the mouse in front of the BP hide while the mouse being a great warm temperatures?
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
I just switched 6 to ft and one (my female mojo) ALWAYS refused ft. I throw them in hot water for 20-25 minutes until you can bend them fluidly then I heat them up with a hairdryer I'll get the body around 84-86 degrees and I'll get the head close to 120. I then stick the head of the rat in the hide. Anymore they don't make it that far and they snatch them out of my hand from within their hides.
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Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
Best method I found I to get a pinky or what ever size your bp is consuming weekly, and brain it. Take a small knife or razor and very carefully cut the top of the skull while frozen. Then thaw it out and try feeding your bp while in his/her hide or at night. Braining increases the scent and food response tremendously. Keep us posted on what helps.
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
Cervical dislocation, I believe it is called. Practically instantaneous, low amount of suffering, and works well. To do this method:
1. Scent the room by leaving the mouse in it for a while, this should get your bp in the mood to eat.
2. Taking a ruler and a countertop or other flat, raised surface, sandwhich the mouse's head between the ruler and the counter, with its body hanging over the edge.
3. Grab the tail and swiftly lift it up. The goal is to get it's neck to form a right angle rapidly. This will snap the spine and kill it.
4. Immediately offer it to your snake, via tongs or whatever method you will be offering FT.
5. Repeat for the next 3 feedings or so.
6. When switching to FT, make sure the animal is fairly warm, and make sure the room is scented by the animal before offering.
Essentially after killing the mice for a few feedings you want to keep all other variables constant. This should produce a high rate of success for switching over.
Re: Help switching BP to frozen thawed from live?
Does or has anyone ever used a stun gun? Would that work?