Feeding issues

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

A pinky mouse is no where near the right size and not enough movement.

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I knew it wasn't the right size but it was the only thing available in my area until the expo, There isn't a shop that sells anything larger than that live, only frozen.

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

"As she's probably distressed after being force-fed I'd leave her a week or 10 days before trying again . Are you warming the mouse /rat up before offering to the Royal ? Some will strike at it and others will only eat if you leave it in with them and leave them in peace for a few hours or even overnight . You can also try chicks or Multis as other options ."

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Assuming you are talking about chickens, day old chicks are too big for a 68g hatchling. The ones I get average 35g in size. I'm not aware of any types of chicks being sold as food that would fit in a 68g hatchling BP.

Live hopper mice are almost always the answer in this situation. Right size, right amount of movement, right smell.

Did you ever try moving to a smaller tub or changing substrate? I think if you moved to a 6 quart tub (can be found at the dollar store!) you might get some feeding response. Pack the tiny tub with crumpled up news paper or fake plants. put a towel or something over the tub to keep it nice and dark.

I would avoid assist feeding. You are feeding in the home enclosure right? Have you contacted the breeder at all?

Couldnt contact the breeder but I found a snake owner with 15 years experience that was willing to buy her off me for a low price and he contacted me today saying she ate today

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Originally Posted by thehonestpirate

Couldnt contact the breeder but I found a snake owner with 15 years experience that was willing to buy her off me for a low price and he contacted me today saying she ate today

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Maybe you could ask them what they did ?

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

So much to pick apart here and I really don't have that much time....................

Why in any ones right mind would you possibly get your ball python that is well known to imprint on a food source stuck on something you don't have readily available? "

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Funnily enough .... Just found this little snippet ...

"Try offering a different prey type:

Offering a different prey item can really work . Many times I’ve fed a mouse or ASF to an animal that hadn’t eaten in 4 months and then the very next week it went right back on rats… it just needed a jump start although I only recommend a different prey item after you have exhausted other options. "