Switching girl to F/T from live?

Hi! Since my blue tongue skink plan failed, I am looking into a another ball python! I have 2 girls in mind I found on MorphMarket, but they are both on live. I DO NOT want to feed live!! 1 because I've grown up having mice / gerbils, and it's just so sad :( 2 I know it can do real damage to the snake. I know my Geno was on live at one point, but he's now taking F/T like a champ. Any stories on switching to F/T? How and is it possible? Thanks!

(One is less than a year, the other is 1 year old. If that helps :))

You can see my post about my new girl. She was on live hopper for her first meals with the breeder but she had no hesitation at all going to ft. Just warmed it in a Ziploc in hot water and she went straight for it, no dance, no leave it and walk away, just straight off the tongs. She did actually try to tag the tongs first and hit them so hard I was kinda worried she hurt herself but she's fine and eating like a champ whenever I offer food. She also came from morph market and was shipped and ate her first meal for me just a few days after I got her from FedEx. It sounds like she may be an exception to the typical but it can be done.

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Cool! Good. So is it common for snakes eating live to switch? Or is it just rarely..? And do you have to like feed live for the first times and slowly switch to F/T? Your girl took it like a champ! I was just wondering if it's normal for that to happen and how. :)

Well my little guy didn't switch easily, but it doesn't hurt to offer your girl f/t first to see if she is one of the easy ones lol.

(I also kept mice before I had Firnen, so I know how you feel :) )

Thanks! :) Do you think it's worth getting her? Or should I just look for a girl thats already eating F/T. I just don't want to take a chance that it won't work. I really am against live :( Can all bps be switched to F/T, or is there some that just won't ever eat F/T and only accept live?

It all depends on the snake it self. Some will take a f/t right away some take weeks maybe months to convert them. One of my girls was on live rats. I was trying to convert her to f/t with no luck. Well, when I was gone for the week I had my mom take care of my snakes. She mistook her for one of my other snakes. And she tried to feed her a f/t and she took it! It took about two months and we ended up switching her by accident. But the point is, it's really hard to tell if a snake will convert to f/t. Some are really picky, some aren't. Just don't give up. Hope this helps!

Yes. Thank you! So while you where offering F/T and she wasn't taking it, were you feeding live? And, don't get mad at me for saying this! Assist-feeding? Would that help a snake less than a year get going on F/T? Thanks! :)

My Firnen was underweight when I got him at three weeks old, and my trusted vet told us to assist feed him until he took on his own (I only had to assist feed him once before he struck on his own).

My theory is that he simply didn't recognize the f/t as food until it was literally in his mouth. If I hadn't assist fed him, his health could have suffered in a way that would be very difficult to recover from.

All this to saw that if she doesn't recognize the f/t as food and you have expended all of your other options, then assist feeding is a good last effort way to switch.

Thank you! :) That really helps. So if she doesn't get going on the F/T, I'll just assist-feed :) Is it ok if I do that like after the first-second feed? I don't want to even offer live :hmm:And also, I know this isn't related but, I'm kinda confused about one of the girls I like. She's a year old, and 60g? She looks healthy though :confusd: Could she be a twin..?

Honestly if you absolutely won't feed live, why not just buy a snake that's already eating f/t? Some snakes are very stubborn and will only take live. A lot of breeders feed their snakes f/t so you shouldn't have a problem finding one.

Yeah, I was thinking I should. I really do like those 2 girls though.. but if it really is that hard to switch then I probably will just look for a different snake. :)

Yes, I highly recommend not buying either of these snakes if you are not willing to give even one live meal. My friends ball python was stuck on live for a YEAR. Personally that's not something I would want to deal with. I assure you that you will find other pretty snakes that are eating f/t :)

So assist-feeding wouldn't be ok for a snake less than a year? I feel like doing that for a couple weeks maybe would surely get her going...
And there is still that chance she'll take it just fine.. :confuzd:

Honestly if you don't want to risk live or are even willing to accept live as an outcome get a bp that's already an established f/t eater. Don't bank on a possibility with no guarantee because some snakes just don't switch and if you want to buy the snakes mentioned you MUST accept that as a possible outcome and commit to it. This is for the well being of the snake NOT your personal ideals.

Assist feeding should only be a last resort when the snake doesn't eat on their own terms, not a situation that you forced them into for your own selfish reasons.

This isn't about if you are comfortable with live this is about what the snake needs and what is best for them. If you cant handle live and would rather stress your snake into being forced into f/t look for a different bp.

There are plenty of other snakes I'm sure you'll find that are similar and on f/t. Who knows maybe you'll fine some cuties you like better! Way less stressful for you and your bps that way and everyone is happy :)

Alright! Thank you so much! Goodbye little champagne pastel lol :rolleyes:

My new ball python was only eating live when I got her and I just took a frozen and put it in a disposable bowl with no water or anything and let it sit on top of her cage for like 4 hours while it thaws. After it was completely thawed I hit the head of the mouse with a blow dryer for like 3-4 minutes, she took it immediately. Maybe that would work for you..

Thank you!! I'll defiantly try that if I end up getting her! :D

Uh I thought you already decided not to get her? It's really not a good idea if you can't consider giving her even a single live meal. What if she doesn't switch and assist feeding her doesn't work? What's your plan?

I agree with Kira, it's a little too risky to count on her switching

I don't know. Sorry :( I said I'm not but I really love her patterning and colors and she seems just perfect... I will think over it. :worry: She's beautiful and a great price! It's just hard to decide. Sorry I don't mean to be dramatic!! :depressed

Just wondering, if you do get her and f/t doesn't work out, what will you do? Are you going to be prepared for the possibility of her refusing and not eating for months on end because you are uncomfortable offering live? And she looses weight in the process? What if assist feeding doesn't work out? What if that's the ONLY way she'll eat?


Best case scenarios can work out but you really have to be ready for worst case scenarios the most. Don't just hope it all works out without taking failures into account. Always plan for the worst but hope for the best.

I just really think you'll save yourself from a lot of headaches if you get a different bp that's already on f/t. More like her will show up don't worry. No need to rush on a decision you could regret. Both for your sake AND her sake.

That seems really selfish to me. Are you going to let her starve if she won't take f/t? The snakes needs should come before your prefences.

I completely agree :sigh2: But I would never let her starve! Worst case scenario, I'd offer live. I'd would not let her starve. :/ I just said I'm very strongly against it.

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Originally Posted by GpBp

I completely agree :sigh2:

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your opinions on feeding live really don't matter, because this isn't about YOU.

Yellow was my first beep, and he was started on live. he came to me weighing 90g and took almost a month to eat f/t. he ate, but it was an uphill battle with him for almost two years: so inconsistant, losing weight. i was so close to starting live feedings even though i didn't want to, but we stuck it out i think one more month and he managed to eat a couple times. i worked out a routine with him and kept on my husbandry, and 2 years later he's almost 900g now (i think, haven't weighed him in a bit), almost 3 years old, and does very well although still kind of picky.

the point of my story is: sometimes things can happen where the snake just won't eat despite your best efforts, and it is your responsibility to give the animal every possible chance to thrive, which includes resorting to live prey. i say don't let the possibility of the animal not switching put you off of getting a pet you really want, because the snake isn't who needs to change; it's YOU.

yes live feeding can suck for you, but it's something you gotta accept in this hobby. :)

i hope my little anecdote helps you. you're not alone with not wanting to use live prey, but remember who we're dealing with: stubborn lil beeps. :P

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Originally Posted by tttaylorrr

your opinions on feeding live really don't matter, because this isn't about YOU.

Yellow was my first beep, and he was started on live. he came to me weighing 90g and took almost a month to eat f/t. he ate, but it was an uphill battle with him for almost two years: so inconsistant, losing weight. i was so close to starting live feedings even though i didn't want to, but we stuck it out i think one more month and he managed to eat a couple times. i worked out a routine with him and kept on my husbandry, and 2 years later he's almost 900g now (i think, haven't weighed him in a bit), almost 3 years old, and does very well although still kind of picky.

the point of my story is: sometimes things can happen where the snake just won't eat despite your best efforts, and it is your responsibility to give the animal every possible chance to thrive, which includes resorting to live prey. i say don't let the possibility of the animal not switching put you off of getting a pet you really want, because the snake isn't who needs to change; it's YOU.

yes live feeding can suck for you, but it's something you gotta accept in this hobby. :)

i hope my little anecdote helps you. you're not alone with not wanting to use live prey, but remember who we're dealing with: stubborn lil beeps. :P

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Thanks, I know it isn't about me. I just was wondering what efforts people take to get their bp eating f/t happily :). I think it's worth a chance, maybe she'll eat great with f/t, or maybe I'll have to feed her live. I understand. I just want to give her what she needs to live a content life :) I'm sorry guys I really didn't mean to come off sounding like I'd never feed live and she has to eat what I want her to eat, that's not it! Yes, I'd defiantly prefer her to eat f/t, but if she needs live, I'll provide it for her :)

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Thanks, I know it isn't about me. I just was wondering what efforts people take to get their bp eating f/t happily :). I think it's worth a chance, maybe she'll eat great with f/t, or maybe I'll have to feed her live. I understand. I just want to give her what she needs to live a content life :) I'm sorry guys I really didn't mean to come off sounding like I'd never feed live and she has to eat what I want her to eat, that's not it! Yes, I'd defiantly prefer her to eat f/t, but if she needs live, I'll provide it for her :)

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sometime it's better to err on the side of caution here and make those kind of assumptions. we just wanted to make sure you understood that this is about the animal. :cool:

take the chance on the animal you really want! i'll bet you a donut you can turn any live feeder. ;)

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Hi! Since my blue tongue skink plan failed, I am looking into a another ball python! I have 2 girls in mind I found on MorphMarket, but they are both on live. I DO NOT want to feed live!! 1 because I've grown up having mice / gerbils, and it's just so sad :( 2 I know it can do real damage to the snake. I know my Geno was on live at one point, but he's now taking F/T like a champ. Any stories on switching to F/T? How and is it possible? Thanks!

(One is less than a year, the other is 1 year old. If that helps :))

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Thanks! :) Do you think it's worth getting her? Or should I just look for a girl thats already eating F/T. I just don't want to take a chance that it won't work. I really am against live :( Can all bps be switched to F/T, or is there some that just won't ever eat F/T and only accept live?

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Thank you! :) That really helps. So if she doesn't get going on the F/T, I'll just assist-feed :) Is it ok if I do that like after the first-second feed? I don't want to even offer live :hmm:And also, I know this isn't related but, I'm kinda confused about one of the girls I like. She's a year old, and 60g? She looks healthy though :confusd: Could she be a twin..?

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Thanks, I know it isn't about me. I just was wondering what efforts people take to get their bp eating f/t happily :). I think it's worth a chance, maybe she'll eat great with f/t, or maybe I'll have to feed her live. I understand. I just want to give her what she needs to live a content life :) I'm sorry guys I really didn't mean to come off sounding like I'd never feed live and she has to eat what I want her to eat, that's not it! Yes, I'd defiantly prefer her to eat f/t, but if she needs live, I'll provide it for her :)

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I'm a bit concerned that for the majority of the thread you have been clear that you don't want to even offer live but suddenly now you're fine with it? If you are still truly against live but are still banking on her switching, I advise that you don't get the snake. However, if you truly changed your mind and are willing to do live (potentially for the snakes entire life) then go for it. Just be REALLY sure that you are willing to do it.

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Originally Posted by Kira

I'm a bit concerned that for the majority of the thread you have been clear that you don't want to even offer live but suddenly now you're fine with it? If you are still truly against live but are still banking on her switching, I advise that you don't get the snake. However, if you truly changed your mind and are willing to do live (potentially for the snakes entire life) then go for it. Just be REALLY sure that you are willing to do it.

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Seconding this. Make absolutely sure you are ready to commit to this!

Yeah, tbh when I started the thread I was not wanting to feed live, at all.. and I was looking how others may have switched their bps over to f/t from live. But, I'm understanding it's not what I thought. I thought it was easy to switch them to f/t. But I definitely understand now it's not like that lol. And I think I am willing to take the chance! To get the bp I love, and feed live. I know I'd get over it. I'm just worried about it hurting her, because I've seen what the rodents can do and fight back. But if someone could reassure me about that, I know I'd accept feeding her live :)

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Yeah, tbh when I started the thread I was not wanting to feed live, at all.. and I was looking how others may have switched their bps over to f/t from live. But, I'm understanding it's not what I thought. I thought it was easy to switch them to f/t. But I definitely understand now it's not like that lol. And I think I am willing to take the chance! To get the bp I love, and feed live. I know I'd get over it. I'm just worried about it hurting her, because I've seen what the rodents can do and fight back. But if someone could reassure me about that, I think I'd accept feeding her live :)

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all three of my beeps started on live, and i switched them all. Coffee Bean switched with her first feeding with me, two days after she arrived. it's not always a pain to switch, but it can be.

proper live feeding practices ensure the snake will do just fine with live feedings. this includes never leaving the rat in the enclosure without supervision, and other practices that have been covered in this thread i've dug up. give that thread a read. i do not feed live, so i hope the thread i've provided helps.

Eep you have to watch it?? Just kidding, I'm fine with that ;) I'll read that, thanks! :D

What if she's eating live, and doesn't take it..? With f/t you can just throw it away, but with live... Do you like, care for it till the next week?? Return it?? :confusd:

I actually just fed mine, downing it now. She was on live from the breeder, have F/T on hand so i hit it with the hair dryer for about a minute after it thawed, stuck it in with the tong's and she pounded it like was nothing(little zombie dance).

and she just pounded a 2nd F/T(only had hoppers, need to move up in size)

What would you do if she didn't take the live..? And yay! I'm glad your lil girl is eating f/t good oodaT! :D

Do you have your old stuff from when you kept mice? Idk what other people do with rejected live feeders, but if it were me, I would just care for it until I tried feeding it again. (Or it would end up as my pet.. oops :P)

Easy is you do it right my converting rate with BP is 100% when they are hatchlings. Usually 80 to 90% success withing the first 3 attempts.

The younger they are the easier it is

Thaw at room temps near the enclosure, warm up with a hair dryer concentrating on the head, hold the prey from behind the neck not the tail and move it around the cage as if it was alive.

If it does not work the first time around, skip a week before offering food again, than buy 2 preys smaller than the one you usually feed 1 live on f/t, feed the live one first and soon as it's down offer the f/t (thaw the f/t like previously explained)

I don't think I could do that.. for 1, I don't have my gerbil stuff anymore. And, 2, I'd get too attached to it, and end up having a colony of rejected feeder rats because I couldn't bring myself to feed them to her after I bonded with them :rofl:

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Originally Posted by Deborah

Easy is you do it right my converting rate with BP is 100% when they are hatchlings. Usually 80 to 90% success withing the first 3 attempts.

The younger they are the easier it is

Thaw at room temps near the enclosure, warm up with a hair dryer concentrating on the head, hold the prey from behind the neck not the tail and move it around the cage as if it was alive.

If it does not work the first time around, skip a week before offering food again, than buy 2 preys smaller than the one you usually feed 1 live on f/t, feed the live one first and soon as it's down offer the f/t (thaw the f/t like previously explained)

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Thank you!! And "The younger they are the easier it is", good thing she's 2 months old :P! I'll do this, thank you for the helpful advice Deborah!! :D

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Originally Posted by GpBp

Thank you!! And "The younger they are the easier it is", good thing she's 2 months old :P! I'll do this, thank you for the helpful advice Deborah!! :D

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Have you contacted the breeder yet? The breeder I just got my hatchlings from feeds his collection live, but he was more than happy to switch the snake over to f/t for me once I had put down my deposit.

Something to consider.

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we have had our two ball pythons for just over a year. The female I'm pretty sure would eat a sock if it was leasurely draped in front of her. My bumblebee male is having problems with the switch. He has eaten one and then went back the next week to not even interested. Any tips out there or is it just perseverance will win the day? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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Originally Posted by poisonfrog13

we have had our two ball pythons for just over a year. The female I'm pretty sure would eat a sock if it was leasurely draped in front of her. My bumblebee male is having problems with the switch. He has eaten one and then went back the next week to not even interested. Any tips out there or is it just perseverance will win the day? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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How are you thawing? I've had a few picky ones in the past who wouldn't go near a feeder if it was wet. I find that letting it thaw on/near the enclosure until it's room temp and soft, then blasting with a hair dryer until the head is 100F works like a charm.

Letting it thaw in the room tends to help let the smell spread and get them into eating mode. And if they don't go for it after 5 minutes or so I'll always leave the feeder in for at least a few hours, in case they just want their privacy.

Good luck with the switch!

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Originally Posted by poisonfrog13

we have had our two ball pythons for just over a year. The female I'm pretty sure would eat a sock if it was leasurely draped in front of her. My bumblebee male is having problems with the switch. He has eaten one and then went back the next week to not even interested. Any tips out there or is it just perseverance will win the day? Thanks in advance for any advice.

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That hairdryer trick worked for me, you thaw the prey item in water and you warm it up with a hairdryer. She took it like white on rice.