Feeding tips

I am new to this new hobby and was looking to see if someone could help me out.
I have a ball python that weighs 155 grams and I've been feeding her f/t mice. Problem is I want to start switching her to f/t rats. She just won't touch em. But has no issues with her mice. Are there any tips to making the switch?
Thanks
Jeremy

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Patience and tough love is what I suggest. If you only offer rats eventually she will eat. The hunger almost always wins in the long run :) . You can also try scenting the rat by thawing it with a mouse or try offering the rat after she's eaten a mouse and still in feed mode. Sometimes they'll just snatch whatever you give them. Best wishes.

There are many strategies posted on here to switch from mice to rats. Some put soiled mouse bedding on the rat and let it soak up the scents before feeding. I personally have found that feeding a couple live rats will help them switch. Ultimately your snake will have to choose between going hungry and switching to rats. It is perfectly fine if they don't eat for a couple weeks during this transition.

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Originally Posted by chargethebeach34

I am new to this new hobby and was looking to see if someone could help me out.
I have a ball python that weighs 155 grams and I've been feeding her f/t mice. Problem is I want to start switching her to f/t rats. She just won't touch em. But has no issues with her mice. Are there any tips to making the switch?
Thanks
Jeremy

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At 155g, I would keep feeding her what she'll eat. I think it's more important she eat and grow at this point than she eat what you want her to eat.

I have one now that was a mouser. Wouldn't touch rats for anything. So I fed her mice. She was on mice for over a year. She's a slow growing, picky eater who just won't eat for two or three weeks at atime so she doesn't gain weight quickly.

A couple of weeks ago, I put a FT rat in her tub and left her alone. Next day it was gone.

It's nice if they switch early for you, but it's not guaranteed. Feed her what she'll eat for now and try switching her later when she's got some size on her.

Thank you all for the info I appreciate it.

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