When to switch from mice to rats?

[War]

Ok I've had my first BP for about a month now. It was 265g when I got it and is now 422g empty. I feed it 2 live mice every Saturday, I was wondering if or when do I move up to rats and what size would you guys recommend?

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[TheWinWizard]

My 200 gram is eating small rats now.

[ballpythonluvr]

Your snake can very easily eat a small rat or you can feed multiple mice. The choice is completey yours.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

You can switch right now there is no specific size to switch just need to find the right size.

The best way to transition as it can be tricky is by offering a rat the same size than the mice previously offered, do that for a few feeding than upgrade size if/as needed.

Young animal with a string feeding response tend to switch a little more easily however it might still take time.

[d_exotics]

i feed rats from the beginning, its a lot easier then having to switch wen they get older and ive heard that rats are more nutritious for the snake.

[mykee]

"When to switch from mice to rats? "

Second meal ever. Maybe third.

[sho220]

Second meal ever. Maybe third.

x2 Live adult mouse for the first meal, and then on to rat pups...

[Slyther83]

meat to bone ratio is as follows, resulting in more protein

Rabbit > rat > mice

[War]

Thanx everyone, he's a strong feeder, strikes at first chance, the small rats that I see are twice the size as the mice but I think he can take one.
Do they know the difference between rats & mice? Are they more fearful of the rats?

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[thedarkwolf25]

I am currently trying to get Hera onto rats as well and so far no luck. I went and got some P/K weaned rats from the exotic pet shop and brought them home. Yesterday was feeding time and she acted hungry, I heated the rat up with a blow dryer and she got all excited and was looking for the food. But when I lowered the rat in with tongs she came near and just looked at it.

No strike or anything, I made it "dance" for her any everything and nothing. But she acted like she was hungry. I left it in the tank with her for a couple hours and nothing, she was more interested in cruising about (I feed her at night when she is naturally more active) than eating.

Any tips? I don't know whether to offer again today or wait a week for the next cycle. I don't think it's too big for her as she is 270g and the rat was 35. Could she just be going into a winter fast? And there have been no changes to her tank and the temps are fine.