Switching to rats?

I am considering trying to switch my BPs to rats instead of mice. I am trying to figure out what size to get. What would be an equivilent size in rats to weanling mice?

How old are your Bps? I switched my 07s to rat pups, some are a little smaller so I got pups with just a little bit of hair and they were small enough. If you can, ask if they will put them in used mouse bedding so they will get the scent on them for the first few attempts at the switchover.

They are both 5.5 months. I have been feeding them weanling mice since I got them. My bigger one has been eating small adult mice for a while but the smaller one is only eating weanlings.

I feed em both f/t. I had thought about thawing out the rats with one of the frozen mice I have left. Not sure if this would work the same but it was a thought.

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Originally Posted by OhClueless1

I am considering trying to switch my BPs to rats instead of mice. I am trying to figure out what size to get. What would be an equivilent size in rats to weanling mice?

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Switching a different prey and a bigger one can sometime make it more difficult to switch, which is why I always recommend people to switch to the same size prey to start with, before going up in size.

So if you feed adult mice, get rap pups instead.

Only one of the Bps eats small adults mice... the other one eats weanling mice.

Dang... I just called some pet stores and most don't even offer the smaller sized rats. I did find a place that does but they sell them for 2 bucks each. I think I need to get over my phobia of shopping online. <sigh>

Is there a general rule about when to switch? Our 1 yr old BP is eating F/T adult mice. Should we switch when our frozen supply is dwindling? We have 5 or 6 left. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by MelissaFlipski

Is there a general rule about when to switch? Our 1 yr old BP is eating F/T adult mice. Should we switch when our frozen supply is dwindling? We have 5 or 6 left. Thanks.

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No rule you can switch any time you want, or not switch at all, it is up to you, just feed what work and what is convenient to you.

is it easier to switch when they are still younger?

ive heard it can be difficult at any age. but on the flip side all snakes are different and could switch easier

I am in total agreement feed what ever is easier for you, i switched all of mine to rats as soon as i could and shortly after to f/t. I guess i was a lucky one all of mine had no problems.

I switched most of mine at 1.5 years old, because I wasn't breeding rats, and I couldn't find some small enough. It was relatively easy to switch them. If they have good weight on them, I just did "tough love", completely quit offering mice and when they got hungry enough, they took a rat and never looked back.