Transition trouble...

So I tried to feed bumble my mandarin rat snake some frozen thawed pinks on Thursday. He’s been feeding well on live and was even up to 2 every week. I thought it may be time to get him going on FT.

The first time I tried to feed him 2 and he ate one and wouldn’t eat the other. Since he had been eating two pet sitting for the last 3-4 weeks I decided to try and offer him one more on Friday. I did it off tongs and he struck each time but no grabbing more defensive strikes.

I waited until just now and tried to offer again. He was in his hide and he usually eats out front of there so I wiggled it in front and left it as I’ve done with live and he just left the hide and is now climbing.

I was really hoping he’d transition easy. This is my first time trying this so any help would be appreciated.

Should I stick to just offering or go back to live for a few weeks ? I’ve heard a few people say try one live one frozen and do it that way a little while.


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I would just keep offering as rat snakes are typically little garbage disposals. Maybe though instead of trying to zombie dance the feeder, you just leave it on his hide, close the enclosure/tub, and walk away.

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I would just keep offering as rat snakes are typically little garbage disposals. Maybe though instead of trying to zombie dance the feeder, you just leave it on his hide, close the enclosure/tub, and walk away.

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Thanks. I am trying that now.

If not ill I’ll wait a full week and try again on Thursday. He’s been eating well apparently mandarins unlike most rats as you pointed out. Can be picky or hard to get started. I’ve had a few people actually surprised how well he’s doing and eating for me. Both handling wise and food

i don’t want to throw him off feed either but I guess we can see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcr229

I would just keep offering as rat snakes are typically little garbage disposals. Maybe though instead of trying to zombie dance the feeder, you just leave it on his hide, close the enclosure/tub, and walk away.

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This is what I would do as well.

Don't offer too often, as that can lead to stress and more refusals, actually being counter productive.

Like you said, wait a week after offering.

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

This is what I would do as well.

Don't offer too often, as that can lead to stress and more refusals, actually being counter productive.

Like you said, wait a week after offering.

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Thanks. That’s what I’ll do.