BP: Feeding Issues (Normal Fast vs Old Frozen Rats)

A few months ago I went out and bought a Vacuum Sealer just for my rats... is the best thing I've ever done :D

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

Sounds very well thought out Dianne. I only have two snakes so sealing individually might be the way to go for me. I might have to hide the thought of using my food saver for mice/rats from the wife ;)

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With just two snakes, individually is the way to go. I currently have 13, and planning on #14 next year. That “should” do it...but I also said that 4 snakes ago. :D

Edit: We won’t tell your wife. ;)

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

The feeders are about 7 months old and stored in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Do you think they may not be 'fresh' enough for the BP? I haven't noticed any smells other then when I heat them up but I'm willing to order new ones if that might do the trick.

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7 months with only a ziploc? i think yes, these feeders have lost their scent.

the behavior you describe seems to agree with that as well: the snake clearly smells prey, but is likely "confused" when the wiggly thing in front of him doesn't smell stronger, so he doesn't strike. Yellow exhibited the same behavior before i bought new feeders (along with regular refusals tho he seemed hungry).

i say bite the bullet and get new feeders. i guarantee you'll come back to say "I'VE NEVER SEEN HIM STRIKE SO QUICKLY" ;)

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

7 months with only a ziploc? i think yes, these feeders have lost their scent.

the behavior you describe seems to agree with that as well: the snake clearly smells prey, but is likely "confused" when the wiggly thing in front of him doesn't smell stronger, so he doesn't strike. Yellow exhibited the same behavior before i bought new feeders (along with regular refusals tho he seemed hungry).

i say bite the bullet and get new feeders. i guarantee you'll come back to say "I'VE NEVER SEEN HIM STRIKE SO QUICKLY" ;)

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Thanks tttaylorrr!! I think and hope you're right. The problem is that none of the big name carriers are shipping during the holidays so my little guy may need to try again w/ his current stash or wait until after the holidays.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

Thanks tttaylorrr!! I think and hope you're right. The problem is that none of the big name carriers are shipping during the holidays so my little guy may need to try again w/ his current stash or wait until after the holidays.

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bummer! i had no idea. no place local either?

either way, i'm sure he'll be fine until you can get new feeders.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

bummer! i had no idea. no place local either?

either way, i'm sure he'll be fine until you can get new feeders.

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I guess I could try Petsmart to see what kind of Rat sizes they carry. He's currently on weaned rats.

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Originally Posted by ckuhn003

I guess I could try Petsmart to see what kind of Rat sizes they carry. He's currently on weaned rats.

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how much does he weigh? PetSmart doesn't carry anything close to a weaned rat size; mine only carry small and medium sizes. if he's around ~450g he could likely handle a small rat.

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

how much does he weigh? PetSmart doesn't carry anything close to a weaned rat size; mine only carry small and medium sizes. if he's around ~450g he could likely handle a small rat.

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He's around 500 grams and has been eating weaned rats. I'll take a look and see how big the smalls are at PetSmart.

With your current feeders, have you tried just pinching (damaging a little) the rodent's nose (like with your feeding tongs)? A good hard squeeze will release a little
more scent & may be just enough to get him to grab it.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

With your current feeders, have you tried just pinching (damaging a little) the rodent's nose (like with your feeding tongs)? A good hard squeeze will release a little
more scent & may be just enough to get him to grab it.

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I haven’t tried that but I did briefly dip the rat in a container of old mouse bedding right before offering. I’ll try your technique next week. Thanks.