tips for feeding f/t

Personally I just think thawing in water is gross. Why would a ball python be eating a drown rat? But you know they probably wouldn't eat dead ones in the wild anyway. I just kind of dislike the idea and think if you're going with hot whater you might as well go for oing it in a bag. Still it's just personal choice, I doubt the snake will really care one way or another if it's hungry.

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Originally Posted by simplechamp

I thaw in a cup of hot water (not scalding, but higher than lukewarm). Right before I'm about to feed I replace the water (which has now cooled) with fresh hot water to give the rodent a solid heat signature. I dab the wet rodent on a paper towel to remove excess water and then feed.

Some people report their BPs won't eat wet rodents. I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. I like that the wet rodent gives extra hydration to the BP.

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I do the same, and then place the food under the heat lamp atop the cage for about ten minutes, with it's head closets to the bulb. If he doesn't take the first time, back under the bulb, and try once more. Works well for me.

Ok, well, I tried today with a live feeder, just to make sure she'd eat at all. I used the tongs like someone had suggested, to acclamate Ari to them for when I try a f/t this weekend. She shied away at first, but after less than a minute, she suddenly turned and just attacked the little hopper! She even left blood on her aspen bedding. I was pretty surprised by her quick reaction to the mouse, but I guess it's good that she has such a good appetite. I'll try feeding her a f/t next weekend and let you guys know if it works. Thanks for all the advice.

Glad to hear you had a good first feeding experience!

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Originally Posted by simplechamp

Glad to hear you had a good first feeding experience!

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Yeah, I was definitely pleasantly surprised. I had heard a rumor that spiders were one of the more hearty eaters of the morphs, but I didn't realize it til today.