First Feed

[lastdoctor]

I am about to feed my bp his first meal since I got him two weeks ago. I picked up some F/T fuzzy rats (this is what he had been feeding on prior to his residence with me). Is there anything special I need to know, other than thawing out the rats, or using tongs? Thanks in advance.

Jeremy

[emroul]

Well, I guess my question to you is, do you know how to thaw the rats appropriately? I couldn't tell if you were asking how to, or...? I think all there is to know is make sure you leave him alone for at least 48 hours after he eats, to ensure he will digest properly (and make sure he has a hide on the warm side of the tank).

Good luck feeding.
Jennifer

[Wizill]

i always thawed by placing the rodent in a zip lock, and putting the zip lock in hot water for about 20 minutes.

[lastdoctor]

I didn't know for sure, so I remembered reading somewhere to put it in a ziplock bag in warm water. That is exactly what I did. Thanks for the help. I am going to give it a few more minutes and then see if he'll eat. Wish me luck.

Jeremy

[emroul]

That's how I have always done it, as well, Will.

Good luck.

[Wizill]

then you open the bag and smell the horror.

[lastdoctor]

Well...he doesn't seem to be interested in eating right now. I had the fuzzy rat ready to go. Got it in with some forceps and moved it around. He seemed interested at first. He moved towards it and then just went to the other side of his cage. I have left it in there for now in hopes he will change his mind. Would it be bad to leave it in over night?

[steelsack]

Would it be bad to leave it in over night?

It is if you want to refreeze. You don't have much time to get it back in the freezer. An hour of sitting is on the long side IMO. I don't feed f/t anymore.......tried it, my bp accepted it, but I prefer the fresh killed method myself. I just stick the rat in a bag and smack it against a door frame.....preferably just to stun the bejesus out of it rather than actually finish it off-leave it twitching, in other words. That way I know the body temp is perfect and if it still draws breath, then great. If he decides not to take it, then I would freeze it for one more attempt before pitching.
Works for me, yours may behave differently....
Great avatar by the way :wink:

[lastdoctor]

Since the food was rejected, how long should I wait till I try to feed him again? Thanks,

Jeremy

[RPlank]

If they refuse, I wait a week to try again.