Live feeding question

I have yet to feed my new BP yet. The breeder said she was eating just weaned rats. I think there's one store in town that may have those. If not should I go with a younger one? Or maybe a full sized mouse?

Also, what do I do with the rodent should my snake not be hungry? I don't have anything to house it in. Do i need to get a small box of something with a bowl of water for it if needed?

Thanks.

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Originally Posted by MasonC2K

I have yet to feed my new BP yet. The breeder said she was eating just weaned rats. I think there's one store in town that may have those. If not should I go with a younger one? Or maybe a full sized mouse?

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Balls are imprint feeders. This means they get hooked on one type of food and stick to it. Its better if you can to feed what the breeder was feeding. Changing homes getting moved and then offering a strange food runs the risk of causing problems. If you unable to find feeders of proper size and type then yea you can try mice.

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Also, what do I do with the rodent should my snake not be hungry? I don't have anything to house it in. Do i need to get a small box of something with a bowl of water for it if needed?
Thanks.

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Feeding live you do run this risk. I'd get a little cheap Critter keeper and get him a little home setup till next feeding day..

Ok, got it. Now one more thing. I want to make sure I got this all right.

1) Let rat sit near the cage to prescent (not necessary but helpful).
2) Place rat in cage. Wait 30 mins. Optionally cover cage with towel or blanket to provide more security.
3) If rat not attacked in 30 mins, take rat out. And try again later (a day or two).

Am I missing anything?

I would wait a week before trying to feed again if he doesn't want it. If my BP doesn't want to eat, he gets stressed out if I try too soon, so a week of no handling and minimal interaction usually encourages him. Also monitor the situation so your bp doesn't get accidentally bitten.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MasonC2K

Ok, got it. Now one more thing. I want to make sure I got this all right.

1) Let rat sit near the cage to prescent (not necessary but helpful).
2) Place rat in cage. Wait 30 mins. Optionally cover cage with towel or blanket to provide more security.
3) If rat not attacked in 30 mins, take rat out. And try again later (a day or two).

Am I missing anything?

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I didn't catch when you said you got the snake...but make sure it has been at least a week since you got it...this way it can have gotten used to its new home before having to deal with eating.

Everything looks good above except #3...if he doesn't eat wait at least 1 week before trying again.