Question about Feeding

[oorob00]

I have a 9 foot burmese python. I have been feeding him 3 large rats every 2 to 3 weeks. I was recently suggested by a guy a pet shop that I buy the rats at that I start feeding him rabbits. So I decided to take his advice and got a rabbit today. He struck at him twice and now is not interested this was about 3 hours ago. I just tried again and he is showing no interest. I want to prekill the rabbit and try but my burm has never eaten prekilled so i don’t know if he will eat it. My question is what do I do? Should I try again tomorrow live then try it prekilled or what?

[oorob00]

anybody have any advice?

[Marla]

Sorry, I've never had a giant. Kara comes on pretty often, so hopefully she or someone else with experience with giants can help you out soon.

[Stormyva]

If your burm is used to taking rats, and only live rats at that you really ought to make the change over to f/t first... then go to rabbits. Feeding mulitple prey will aid in the change.... try offering f/t rats one week. You may find that it takes them right off, most snakes that I have come across will. If it doesnt take the f/t wait a week then try again. If it still hasnt taken the f/t by the third offering offer a live first then for the second rat toss in a f/t. The live prey should get the snake in to feeding mode at which point pretty much anything will get eating.
Once you get it on f/t rats... then do the bait and switch to get it to take a f/t rabbit. Offer a f/t rat first, slightly smaller than normal. Then for the second prey item toss in the rabbit.
You really should get it to f/t first or stick with multiple rats. A rabbit can do a LOT of damage VERY fast. A rabbits hind feet and claws should be registered as deadly weapons !

[oorob00]

I am new so what does f/t mean?

[hhw]

f/t = frozen/thawed

[gozetec02]

How long have you had this 9FT Burmese?

[Smulkin]

Also - though it would take a good bit of rubbing - you could scent the rabbit a la rat. Agreed on f/t or pre-killed so as to reduce the risk the rabbit might rake up your burm.

[oorob00]

I have had him for about a year and a half. i will have to try what stormy said. Also what is the best way to kill a rabit?

[Anonymous]

I think theres to many ways to kill a rabbit.
You can knock him over the head.
Personally for myself its hard knocking out a rabbit, those little fellows are cute

I guess you can always put him in a bag, and put a brick to his head, but that doesn't make it any easier.