Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Missiepixie
Ok, so maybe it’s the fact my snakes name is Sunny, but I have noticed that every failed feeding has been a factor of a less than sizzling hot prey item.
Case in point last week I had his f/t rat warmed to around 100, he wouldn’t strike- but was zooming around the cage stalking. I (carefully) took the rat back out, put it under the overhead CHE, got it 120 and he struck immediately. Tonight I used some boiling water to get the rat to 120 before I came in, and again he struck and ate immediately. I know in the wild rats temps are close to ours, so is this just a spoiled snake, or is there something about a hot meal that is more appealing?
Those temps sound dangerously hot to me, but I guess, by the time he done constricting it, it has cooled to a safe temp.
Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Boiling water = cooked prey. Not good for snakes. They eat raw food.
Defrost at room temp and then put in hot tap water (110-120F usually) for a minute. That should get your BP to strike. Also, that way you aren't cooking the prey which can hurt digestion and limit nutrient intake.
Any questions, let us know. There could be other factors contributing to your BP not willingly eating. However, if the above works, I wouldn't sweat it.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Thaw in the snake room to get their tastebuds going then feed in the evening.. just blasting with a hairdryer then offer immediately whilst still warm .
Works amazingly well !!
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Re: Snake likes hot meals!
I was worried I was getting to the cooking level- I will try the normal heating and hairdryer and see if just the nose being hot will get him to strike. When I don’t “overheat” he will act hungry- but not strike- it’s like he doesn’t register where the yummy smell is coming from.
Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Missiepixie
I was worried I was getting to the cooking level- I will try the normal heating and hairdryer and see if just the nose being hot will get him to strike. When I don’t “overheat” he will act hungry- but not strike- it’s like he doesn’t register where the yummy smell is coming from.
You're correct that you should avoid "cooking" the prey. The other trigger is offering with a slight jiggle, using snake tongs & being subtle, always going past or slightly away from the snake, not right "at" the snake, which wild rodents don't do & which might freak out a shyer snake into refusing the meal.
Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Missiepixie
I was worried I was getting to the cooking level- I will try the normal heating and hairdryer and see if just the nose being hot will get him to strike. When I don’t “overheat” he will act hungry- but not strike- it’s like he doesn’t register where the yummy smell is coming from.
They must know instinctively know when something is too warm / hot presumably
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Re: Snake likes hot meals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Zincubus
They must know instinctively know when something is too warm / hot presumably
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I don't think so- if that were true, snakes would never get burned by excessively-hot heat sources (remember "hot rocks"?). :rolleyes:
Re: Snake likes hot meals!
My 5 mo ball python will willingly strike at a room-temp baby rat, she's got a big appetite!
