Should I switch?

The mice I feed her have tiny cuts in them that smell nasty, but hopefully gets her attention. I really hope she'll eat soon. After shedding.

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Originally Posted by Manglewantsmacaroni

The mice I feed her have tiny cuts in them that smell nasty, but hopefully gets her attention. I really hope she'll eat soon. After shedding.

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Why? They shouldn't.

They also should not smell nasty. It sounds as if you got a bad feeder.

well, after they are warmed. Warm mouse guts are not the nicest smelling thing

Do they smell rotten, or just like a mouse that's been frozen and reheated?

I'm just a beginner but i have been feeding my bp live and she hasn't had any problems. I prefer feeding live.

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Originally Posted by Manglewantsmacaroni

well, after they are warmed. Warm mouse guts are not the nicest smelling thing

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They should not smell. Did you refreeze and then thaw it again?

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Originally Posted by BallPython.Fanatic

I'm just a beginner but i have been feeding my bp live and she hasn't had any problems. I prefer feeding live.

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Live can work but as the snake gets larger so does the prey. I have fed live before and I hate it when I would get a rat with something the live for that started biting my snake. I also don't want to deal with buying 8-9 live rats each feeding either.

Im sure if I was interested in rat breeding it would be easier but I have no desire to do that either.

These snakes can go up to a year without eating. Leave it be with no change for a week and a half, get an appropriately sized f/t mouse and appropriately sized f/t rat. Try to offer the mouse, if no luck then the rat. If he doesn't want it then throw the food away, and try live.
How are you defrosting the food? This can make a big difference.


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I keep them frozen. I never refreeze them. If food is refused, It is thrown away.

That's good. But how are you defrosting? In hot water, warm water, cold water? Are you putting the mouse in a plastic bag prior to this, or are you just putting the mouse straight into the water? Some snakes will not take wet food items, while others will only take it if it's damp. If it's not warm enough that can be a problem also.
This is my process: put sink on at the hottest it goes and let it heat up. Put a plastic up under the water and fill. Put f/t in bag, and push into the water, it will float so I push it down to allow some water to get on top. I check the time and come back in 40 minutes. I feel it to see if it's all soft, and if it is I immediately feed it so it doesn't lose heat.


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I put the mouse in a bag, then in the water. The mouse is not wet at all.
I have a spare cage that I have a live mouse in, and I kept the receipt if the mouse isn't consumed, Im keeping the feeding attempt supervised.