Vote for BP.Net for the 2013 Forum of the Year! Click here for more info.

» Site Navigation

» Home
 > FAQ

» Online Users: 624

0 members and 624 guests
No Members online
Most users ever online was 47,180, 07-16-2025 at 05:30 PM.

» Today's Birthdays

None

» Stats

Members: 75,905
Threads: 249,104
Posts: 2,572,101
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
Welcome to our newest member, Pattyhud

What to feed my boy

Printable View

  • 03-10-2015, 08:36 PM
    SCWood
    What to feed my boy
    He is 1445g, 4ft, and 6 years old. Was abused; left with rats that chewed on him. And now is afraid of rats. Will only take live mice. Hadn't eaten for several months but I recently fed him 3 mice. What should be be eating?



    1.2 Normal
    1.2 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-10-2015, 09:09 PM
    Stewart_Reptiles
    He should be eating what works, if mice work than feed mice 3 large adults once a week will be more than enough for a male.
  • 03-10-2015, 10:28 PM
    Lizardlicks
    If you really want him on rats, you're probably gonna have to desensitize him to the previous trauma. Try feeding him rats that are the same size as the mice if he'll take them, then work your way slowly up in size. Don't rush things, the key to desensitization and over coming fear with most everything is to be patient.
  • 03-11-2015, 12:51 PM
    wendhend
    If he won't take smaller size rats readily, consider scenting them with dirty mouse bedding, so they smell more like what he has been taking well.
  • 03-11-2015, 07:01 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    I had the same problem with Monty. She was attacked by rats before I got her (scarring is starting to go away! Yay!) I worked my way up in size.
  • 03-26-2015, 01:48 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Update: I was told by my MIL to STARVE him until he eats f/t rats. Don't worry I disregarded her statement. I will start working my way up and hopefully he will start taking small rats. Two days ago, he took a small mouse and I had to return the other 3. Perhaps he was only expecting one prey item? He won't even LOOK at f/t ANYTHING but I'm hoping he may change his ways (doubtful, since he's 6!). Wish me luck!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 04:32 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Update: I was told by my MIL to STARVE him until he eats f/t rats. Don't worry I disregarded her statement. I will start working my way up and hopefully he will start taking small rats. Two days ago, he took a small mouse and I had to return the other 3. Perhaps he was only expecting one prey item? He won't even LOOK at f/t ANYTHING but I'm hoping he may change his ways (doubtful, since he's 6!). Wish me luck!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    How are you heating up your f/t prey? I defrost them, when they're completely soft I bring them in the room and super heat them with a blow dryer until their head and hips are approx 90 degrees. Then I do the zombie jig. She always takes.
  • 03-26-2015, 04:37 PM
    pbyeerts
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Getting him to eat anything is what's important now. There's nothing wrong with eating live mice and going to f/t rAts later. Making feeding time a positive experience will help him gain confidence.

    How did u offer the live mice? Some snakes want a break between each one, others will eat them right after one another.
  • 03-26-2015, 04:54 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    How are you heating up your f/t prey? I defrost them, when they're completely soft I bring them in the room and super heat them with a blow dryer until their head and hips are approx 90 degrees. Then I do the zombie jig. She always takes.

    I defrost until soft, get the snakes in their feeding tubs, and then place them in the hottest water I can run. Then I jiggle them in front of the snakes and they take...usually

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 04:55 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by pbyeerts View Post
    Getting him to eat anything is what's important now. There's nothing wrong with eating live mice and going to f/t rAts later. Making feeding time a positive experience will help him gain confidence.

    How did u offer the live mice? Some snakes want a break between each one, others will eat them right after one another.

    I offered him one and it took some coaxing but he took it. Second one he went up to, poked with his nose, and turned away from. I waited almost an hour and stayed with him before I took it out.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 04:55 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by pbyeerts View Post
    Getting him to eat anything is what's important now. There's nothing wrong with eating live mice and going to f/t rAts later. Making feeding time a positive experience will help him gain confidence.

    How did u offer the live mice? Some snakes want a break between each one, others will eat them right after one another.

    I never said there was anything wrong with feeding live. But if the snake won't take live prey of substantial size, then it becomes an issue. I used to feed live, and I had a bad experience.
  • 03-26-2015, 04:57 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    https://vimeo.com/123351508
    Here he is taking the first one. You can see some reluctance at first and then BOOM. He swallowed it in less than a minute so I figured he wanted seconds 😟 guess I was wrong.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 04:59 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    I defrost until soft, get the snakes in their feeding tubs, and then place them in the hottest water I can run. Then I jiggle them in front of the snakes and they take...usually

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    He may be stressed moving to a feeding tub, if that's not what he's used to, have you tried feeding in tank? I also try not to get my rats wet when I feed. You can put them in a zip lock baggie and run under hot water. Some snakes are picky. If all he will eat is mice, and he should be on rats, feed him a few mice. I usually gave monty 1-2 hours between prey items. Sometimes she won't take until the next day. Or if he is used to eating one item, try heating up a small rat to room temp and only power heating the head.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:02 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    https://vimeo.com/123351508
    Here he is taking the first one. You can see some reluctance at first and then BOOM. He swallowed it in less than a minute so I figured he wanted seconds 😟 guess I was wrong.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    Monty coils with her whole body, too. Maybe he has a few issues with coiling, and he knows the larger prey he can't coil as hard.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:02 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    He may be stressed moving to a feeding tub, if that's not what he's used to, have you tried feeding in tank? I also try not to get my rats wet when I feed. You can put them in a zip lock baggie and run under hot water. Some snakes are picky. If all he will eat is mice, and he should be on rats, feed him a few mice. I usually gave monty 1-2 hours between prey items. Sometimes she won't take until the next day. Or if he is used to eating one item, try heating up a small rat to room temp and only power heating the head.

    From what I understand, he was fed rats in his tank by his first owner...however, we do not like the idea and Scott had him eating in a bathtub for several months before he went off feed. My snakes don't seem to mind the wet rats but he may be an exception. I just know every time I try, he turns away from it and curls up tight like he's trying to get away from me.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:04 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    Monty coils with her whole body, too. Maybe he has a few issues with coiling, and he knows the larger prey he can't coil as hard.

    Perhaps! The places around here are starting to sell super small rats nowadays... maybe a rat pup will entice him?

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:04 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    From what I understand, he was fed rats in his tank by his first owner...however, we do not like the idea and Scott had him eating in a bathtub for several months before he went off feed. My snakes don't seem to mind the wet rats but he may be an exception. I just know every time I try, he turns away from it and curls up tight like he's trying to get away from me.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    Hmm. This is a tricky one. I think the best bet is to try to use f/t. There have been times I had to tie a string around the tail and hide around the corner. If he can see you, he may think you're a predator. And since snakes usually eat in the same spot, they generally won't eat unless it's safe.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:06 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Perhaps! The places around here are starting to sell super small rats nowadays... maybe a rat pup will entice him?

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    You could try that. I would just slowly work your way up in prey size. Maybe two weeks at one size, then move up and do a couple feeds at the next size up. Snakes go off feed for months at a time, and the fact that he is eating is a good sign.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:07 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    Hmm. This is a tricky one. I think the best bet is to try to use f/t. There have been times I had to tie a string around the tail and hide around the corner. If he can see you, he may think you're a predator. And since snakes usually eat in the same spot, they generally won't eat unless it's safe.

    That's an idea. he's definitely not on in a strike because I cleaned his feeding tub today and put him in there for change-out and he got super excitable and when I took him out he's been 'pacing' his cage ever since and he just took that mouse 2 days ago...

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:08 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    That's an idea. he's definitely not on in a strike because I cleaned his feeding tub today and put him in there for change-out and he got super excitable and when I took him out he's been 'pacing' his cage ever since and he just took that mouse 2 days ago...

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    You can put him back in his feeding tub and try one prey size up. Sounds to me like he is still hungry.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:08 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    You could try that. I would just slowly work your way up in prey size. Maybe two weeks at one size, then move up and do a couple feeds at the next size up. Snakes go off feed for months at a time, and the fact that he is eating is a good sign.

    I know 😄 I'm just happy that he eats something! What's funny is, I will find urates in his cage but no poo! I think next time I will try a small rat and see how it goes..

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:09 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    I know 😄 I'm just happy that he eats something! What's funny is, I will find urates in his cage but no poo! I think next time I will try a small rat and see how it goes..

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    If there is no poop the prey size is way too small. It means his body is digesting everything it can to keep him alive. Move up to the next size and keep us updated!
  • 03-26-2015, 05:10 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    You can put him back in his feeding tub and try one prey size up. Sounds to me like he is still hungry.

    The only thing currently available is small rats or mice..I have f/t but I'd hate to thaw it and waste it.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:11 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    The only thing currently available is small rats or mice..I have f/t but I'd hate to thaw it and waste it.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    Try a small rat. If that's all you've got its all you've got. And it won't be a waste if he doesn't eat it.
  • 03-26-2015, 05:14 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    https://vimeo.com/123353035

    Like I said in the video, he has been wandering his cage for several hours now. I handled him for quite a bit and he seemed anxious so I put him up and usually he will just curl up in his house but not this time!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 05:15 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    If there is no poop the prey size is way too small. It means his body is digesting everything it can to keep him alive. Move up to the next size and keep us updated!

    Okay 😁 it's storming right now but maybe tomorrow after work when it's nice and dark and late out he will take a rat...

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 06:02 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    Try a small rat. If that's all you've got its all you've got. And it won't be a waste if he doesn't eat it.

    Could I try one dipped in chicken broth? Is this safe? I wanted MouseMaker but I can't find anywhere to buy it!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 06:03 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Could I try one dipped in chicken broth? Is this safe? I wanted MouseMaker but I can't find anywhere to buy it!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn

    I'm sure you could. I'm not sure if the fat in chicken broth is okay for snakes. But you could scent it with a live rat. It's kinda morbid but it works
  • 03-26-2015, 06:09 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    I'm sure you could. I'm not sure if the fat in chicken broth is okay for snakes. But you could scent it with a live rat. It's kinda morbid but it works

    I've tried braining before. Morbid doesn't bother me when it comes to my babies lol

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 03-26-2015, 06:09 PM
    MontyAndMelissa
    Re: What to feed my boy
    You can even scent a small rat with a mouse if he takes mice better. They do have different scents.
  • 03-26-2015, 06:42 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    You can even scent a small rat with a mouse if he takes mice better. They do have different scents.

    I do believe he takes mice easier

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-02-2015, 01:19 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by MontyAndMelissa View Post
    You can even scent a small rat with a mouse if he takes mice better. They do have different scents.

    Do you know if it's at all possible to teach a 6 year old BP to eat f/t?

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-04-2015, 10:17 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Update: my new scale came in! Boots is 1700 grams! Woohoo! We are going to start trying f/t with him :)

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-07-2015, 01:55 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Update: today is feeding day. My roommate brought home a rather large f/t rat (200 some odd grams) for Bootsie so it's already thawed in the fridge. I just put 4 mice out to thaw with it for Cleo (since the brat won't take rats). They came out to 78g which I know is worth a small rat so let's see if she will take all 4. O.o

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-07-2015, 06:13 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    So frustrated! Both are coiled up ready to strike. Boots just keeps sniffing and turning away and Cleo only took 2 and then turns from the others even though she will track the movement

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-07-2015, 06:43 PM
    Albert Clark
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Try scenting a small f/t asf (african soft fur) rat with a mouse or mouse bedding. Maybe even try scenting a gerbil with the same? Good luck.:gj:
  • 04-07-2015, 07:36 PM
    Herbie'sMom
    Re: What to feed my boy
    When our two picky babies went off feed, we changed things up.

    They were being fed f/t in a separate feeding tub from day one. At first, they would both strike and eat almost right away. Then, over time, they stopped striking and would just eat the rat if it was left in the tub. Eventually, they wouldn't even do that. We would leave them in their tubs for hours with the rat and nada. So finally, we decided to switch over to feeding in their cages. They still wouldn't strike, or even eat right away for that matter. But, when left in the cage all night long, no rats in the morning! My 3-year-old hadn't eaten for a 77 day stretch at one point. Now, he eats every time I offer him a rat. Maybe you can try this technique?
  • 04-07-2015, 08:21 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    The problem is I'm threatened with eviction if I fed in their cages...MIL calls the shots.

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-08-2015, 09:41 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Tried a live small tonight. He rejected. Seemed stressed and it wasn't til I sat down with my phone that I realized why...my roommate took him out while we were gone! He even sent me a pic. I was beyond pissed. Because his lack of respect for me and my animals, my snake did not eat. While I understand I can just try again tomorrow, the timing was just right...it was dark, warm, and seemed active. The point is, nobody should be putting their hands in my snakes cage without my permission and certainly not when I am out!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-08-2015, 10:21 PM
    200xth
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Tried a live small tonight. He rejected. Seemed stressed and it wasn't til I sat down with my phone that I realized why...my roommate took him out while we were gone! He even sent me a pic. I was beyond pissed. Because his lack of respect for me and my animals, my snake did not eat. While I understand I can just try again tomorrow, the timing was just right...it was dark, warm, and seemed active. The point is, nobody should be putting their hands in my snakes cage without my permission and certainly not when I am out!

    Didn't you just try yesterday?

    I wouldn't keep trying day after day. If someone refuses, just wait until the next scheduled feed. Attempting to feed day after day can stress them, too.
  • 04-08-2015, 10:25 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 200xth View Post
    Didn't you just try yesterday?

    I wouldn't keep trying day after day. If someone refuses, just wait until the next scheduled feed. Attempting to feed day after day can stress them, too.

    We tried f/t yesterday :/

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-08-2015, 11:21 PM
    200xth
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    We tried f/t yesterday :/

    I would just leave him til his next scheduled feeding. It won't hurt him and it'll give him a few days to settle back in.
  • 04-08-2015, 11:26 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 200xth View Post
    I would just leave him til his next scheduled feeding. It won't hurt him and it'll give him a few days to settle back in.

    Alrighty :/

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-09-2015, 11:58 AM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Ya'll are scary good at this! I asked Scott if Boots was ever cage fed and he was unsure. WELL I was home alone and I took a stab at it...against my better judgment, I tossed the little thing in there. HOLY CRAP he hit that thing so quick I jumped five foot back! I then gently eased him into the feeding tub and now he's in it, wrapped around it having a grand ol time. I'm hoping this associates the tub with good things! Yay!

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-09-2015, 12:05 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Okay holy moly that was scary
    When the rat was dead he dropped it and kept opening his mouth like something was up. Had a mouthful of eco earth! I opened his mouth and scooped the majority out with a soft towel, set him in his cage, and offered the rat on an elevated surface, to which he politely opened his mouth and began eating it no problem. Lesson learned...

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-16-2015, 05:19 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Update: Today was my day off so we drove a little further out south to visit a store I've never been to and bought a medium rat. I already had newspaper in his cage so I threw the rat in and once again he hit like a freight train. As soon as it went limp he began munching. I think it's safe to say this is what he needed ^^

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-16-2015, 05:31 PM
    Eric Alan
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Update: Today was my day off so we drove a little further out south to visit a store I've never been to and bought a medium rat. I already had newspaper in his cage so I threw the rat in and once again he hit like a freight train. As soon as it went limp he began munching. I think it's safe to say this is what he needed ^^

    Awesome! :gj:

    Side note: If you click on the "User CP" at the left-hand side of the screen, and then "Edit Signature" towards the left of the new screen, you can create your own signature so you don't need to type your snake family in the bottom of each of your posts. ;)

    Edit: Looks like you have both your signature and your typing thing going on. More power to ya. :D
  • 04-16-2015, 05:37 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Eric Alan View Post
    Awesome! :gj:

    Side note: If you click on the "User CP" at the left-hand side of the screen, and then "Edit Signature" towards the left of the new screen, you can create your own signature so you don't need to type your snake family in the bottom of each of your posts. ;)

    Edit: Looks like you have both your signature and your typing thing going on. More power to ya. :D

    ^^ thanks. Sorry I use the app and the website so it gets weird. Next week, we are trying a large. He literally scarfed the rat down and there is no lump O.o he's also looking for more

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
  • 04-16-2015, 05:42 PM
    Eric Alan
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by SCWood View Post
    Next week, we are trying a large. He literally scarfed the rat down and there is no lump O.o he's also looking for more

    Try not to let his puppy dog eyes fool you. They're programmed to grab up as much food as they can when it's available, so regardless of whether the meal was a good size or not they'll usually be on the lookout for more right away. I would strongly advise against feeding anything live larger than a medium rat - it starts getting pretty unsafe for your BP to do so. Not to mention that at ~1500 grams, he really doesn't need anything bigger than smalls/mediums anyways. :)
  • 04-16-2015, 05:51 PM
    SCWood
    Re: What to feed my boy
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Eric Alan View Post
    Try not to let his puppy dog eyes fool you. They're programmed to grab up as much food as they can when it's available, so regardless of whether the meal was a good size or not they'll usually be on the lookout for more right away. I would strongly advise against feeding anything live larger than a medium rat - it starts getting pretty unsafe for your BP to do so. Not to mention that at ~1500 grams, he really doesn't need anything bigger than smalls/mediums anyways. :)

    The gentleman who gave him to us had him on larges biweekly. He barely ate for him so I'm super excited to see him eat. That and a week and a half ago I weighed him on an accurate scale and he came close to 1800 grams O.o holy moly he is a big boy. Leaves me big poos as well...

    1.2 Normal
    1.1 Red-tail
    0.1 Albino corn
Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v4.2.1