first finicky eater...

[Mchristy]

I have a bp that I've had for about a month now. She's refused f/t rats for weeks in a row so I decided to try a live rat. She has absolutely no interest in the thing. Doesn't even know it's there. I'm worried she may be a mouser or ASF. Maybe that's why she was such a good deal :/ Anyway, someone please help me get her eating . All my enclosures are kept at a constant 82f with a 89f hotspot. All have two identical hides and fresh water every day. All my other snakes are happy as can be and eat every week without fail. This girl though, is frustrating me. I still have the live rat and want to try again later. How should I try it when I do?

[BallPythonKid]

I currently have a snake like that too. Ive tried mice ,rats everything with him just wont seem to eat.

[Zuma22]

Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as you. I've had a 550g (although she now weighs less) girl whom I've had since 2/14. Never seen her eat :/ I've left rats with her overnight, done everything else. Given her a live mouse that scared her to death. Tried a live rat today that didn't scare her so much, but still nothing. I'm currently looking for asfs in my area to try next. She's losing weight now, so I'm getting nervous.

Definitely try the rat again and just drop it in and give her some space. Don't leave her unattended with the rat cause you don't want anything to happen to her. I usually cover the tub with a towel and watch through a corner so she feels more secure. I wouldn't leave it in there more than 15 or so minutes. If that doesn't work, I'd suggest asfs - they seem to do the trick for most. Good luck! I know, it sucks

[Zuma22]

Ok...I just realized I'm in CA and asfs are illegal...sooo now I don't know what my next step will be, but I hope they work for you!!

[Chaoticpythons]

My male was a finicky eater he still is most the time actually. I eventually ended up force feeding him every week. Now most the time he will eat on his own because other wise I think he knows its gonna go down his throat one way or another. This will stress them a little but soon they will realize whats going on and sshould start eating. I also wouldnt do this until you notice your snake is losing weight.

[Chaoticpythons]

You can also try a gerbil. None of my bps can resist them. Just dont make feeding gerbils a habit unless you have a good supply and can always feed them. As in I will feed my female 6 rat pups (3 diff feedings) than I will give her a huge gerbil.