Feeding

[Laxhitman316]

Apparently my snake beavis will only eat gerbils.. i have tried rats and mice and even small meals on mice but the only time he seems to have interest is in gerbils is there any way to get him to not be so picky lol or is this just what will be eating for his snakey life

[maria1232]

try to get some mice and put them in a box with the gerbils, or rub some dirty gerbil bedding on the mice to transfer the scent

[RichsBallPythons]

If hes got good size on him then i would suggest Tough love. Wait it out and do NOT offer gerbils anymore. Do light scenting of the rat or mouse and slowly not scent anymore.

It takes time but it can be done with patience. This is why i never ever will sell or buy a snake eat anything other than rats or mice. As some states have certain preys illegal to own.


If you dont mind feeding gerbils then get a breeding group going of 1.3 and breed your own and freeze them

[mr. s]

How and why were you feeding your snake gerbils if you don't want it to eat gerbil? Bps should only be fed whatever you are not afraid to feed it the rest of their lives. They are picky picky picky.
How hard have you tried to switch beavis back to rats or mice, (rats are cheaper in the end when he is large)? If they do not eat a rat the first time you offer, don't give up, offer a gerbil and try next week. Just don't feed them for a week or two and try again. Yes, you can try scenting, and there are all kinds of other ways to try and get him switched, but you gotta be patient. I had a king snake that did not eat for almost 5 months while I was switching him over from live to f/t. Depending on the size of your bp, it can go up to a year not eating, so don't be afraid to miss a meal or 10.
Best of luck.

[Laxhitman316]

The reason i used a gerbil is because he had not eaten in two weeks and figure i would try it instead... and to be honest i dont mind feeding gerbils i just didnt think he would be that picky heh

[RichsBallPythons]

The reason i used a gerbil is because he had not eaten in two weeks and figure i would try it instead

2 weeks is no reason to switch his prey to something that is like crack to balls.

They are picky eaters and will stop eating for months to a year no problems. You just brought on some major problems on your self if gerbils are out of stock.

[BuckeyeBalls]

2 weeks is no reason to switch his prey to something that is like crack to balls.

They are picky eaters and will stop eating for months to a year no problems. You just brought on some major problems on your self if gerbils are out of stock.

x2

[Laxhitman316]

Guess ill haveto try the bedding trick then

[j_h_smith]

Don't sweat this. Stop feeding gerbils. If the snake won't eat a rat/mouse, then let him go without a meal. Ball Pythons can go a REALLY long time without eating. Depending on its size, 6 months is not too long to go without food.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith