Striking and coiling but not eating

Hi guys. Today I tried to switch my juvenile BP, Buddy, from live to f/t with no success
I thawed out the mouse in a baggie in a cup of warm water for 20 minutes, and warmed it up for 15 seconds under the lamp. Then I wiggled the f/t in front of him with tongs and he almost immediately struck and even threw a coil around it. However, several minutes went by, and he uncoiled and slithered away without swallowing. I decided to throw a towel over the tank to make him feel secure and wait for a few hours but it's been about six hours and he hasn't touched it. This was all done in his original enclosure after four days of him acclimating to a new environment. What am I doing wrong? I'm worried.

Wait 3 days this time thaw your ft in the fridge for 24 hours and heat the head up with a hairdryer between 90-100 degrees


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After he coils it don't let go. Wiggle it for a few seconds while it is coiled. Simulates live prey. Also, I have one who will do that. If it's not gone in 20 min and the snake is leaving it, I hear it up with the hair dryer and try again. Second coil and it's usually gone.

Make sure it's fully thawed. You mentioned thawing for 20 minutes. If it was frozen solid that not enough time to thaw all the way through. Keep at it. He will get the hang of it.

Nevermind guys. I came home from work and the mouse was gone so unless he's hiding it somewhere I'm assuming he ate! Also I moved the mouse from the regular freezer to the upstairs refrigerator a day before and then thawed it for 20 minutes in warm water today. Sorry I didn't but mention that in the original post. Was this ok? Ah I hope I didn't feed him food that was still frozen. Thanks so much for the tips. I'm going to try this all out next week so he'll eat for sure.

Right on! He ate it!

I'm so relieved and I never thought feeding a pet could feel this rewarding. Thank you guys so much for the advice. Will make sure to thoroughly thaw and stimulate live prey next time.

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Originally Posted by kath_

I'm so relieved and I never thought feeding a pet could feel this rewarding. Thank you guys so much for the advice. Will make sure to thoroughly thaw and stimulate live prey next time.

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Yeah it really is rewarding. There is so much info out there and you read about so many things that can go wrong. lol I love BPs but it sure can be nerve wracking sometimes. lol I don't worry over my kids as much as these snakes. lol