How long should I wait?

[Dabonus]

I have a young (around 10 months) bp that I'm trying to switch over to rats. Whenever I'm offering the rat he's showing interest but never strikes. I've tried letting the rat sit in soiled mouse bedding and leaving it in the tub with him for an hour (F/T), but no luck so far. I've been offering a rat a little smaller than what he's use to every 5 days for the past 15 days with no luck. My question is: how long should I wait before I just offer him a mouse so he doesn't go hungry? He was severely underfed as a hatchling, and I've just recently gotten him to fatten up on large mice.

[mpkeelee]

try it for another week and leave the rat inside the warm hide overnight. not always, but the majority of the time ill find them gone in the morning. dont bother ur snake at all until feeding day, and most times this will work. good luck

[maria1232]

try going a little smaller on the rat, sometimes when you switch their prey they dont know what to expect and wont strike, but if its smaller the'll feel like they have the "upper hand"

[Seru1]

I can confirm that my girl who I believe was on live before. Not sure though. Took an f/t mouse overnight.


They are far more active at night as you know So when everyone's asleep they might take it. Leave it atop or at the entrance to a warm hide.



You might also cover the glass after you leave it for extra security.



Just some Ideas I'm no pro. But the overnight thing worked for me.

[cinderbird]

have you tried just rubbing a F/T mouse on a F/T rat? If i've ever had any picky switchers scenting this way worked for me. I'd also try offering the mouse first, then the rat. Combined the 2 prey items made up one appropriately sized meal.

[Kaorte]

The first thing to do is to make sure your husbandry is correct. Make sure you are using accurate digital thermometers with probes to measure temps. Make sure you have nice tight fitting hides so your snake feels safe.

If your snake feels very safe, it is much more likely to eat. If all the basic husbandry is figured out, try holding out on the snake for two weeks. The hungrier they are between offerings, the more likely they are to eat.

The other methods people have suggested are also good ideas

[Dabonus]

Thanks for all the tips.

Husbandry is spot on. On Monday I'll try rubbing the rat against a mouse, and if that doesn't work I'll just feed a small mouse followed my a rat pup.