How long should I keep feeding my ball python live before switching back to f/t?

[LuciferPhantom]

Hey guys, so I got this ball python from a breeder and he was on f/t. I got him the day he ate so when I tried to give him f/t for the next month he wouldn't take it at all. He didn't seem any interest in it. So now I have him on live for about month and I noticed that he loves to toy around with his prey it looks like. So should I try to switch him back to f/t or keep feeding him live? The breeder also told me to wait until he is on a regular feeding habit before I try to switch him back over. How long is usually a regular feeding habit? (Sorry if it seems like silly easy questions this is my first snake so yeah )

[MarkS]

You can try any time. If it won't take frozen/thawed then give live. Always try the F/T first. I've found that once my new balls are well settled in and comfortable in their new surroundings then feeding is rarely an issue. A regular schedule is also helpful. I like to feed Wednesday mornings before going to work, (pull the frozen on tuesday night and let it thaw out overnight) My snakes know the schedule better then I do and are usually sitting up at the front of their tubs when I turn the lights on Wednesday morning.

[LuciferPhantom]

You can try any time. If it won't take frozen/thawed then give live. Always try the F/T first. I've found that once my new balls are well settled in and comfortable in their new surroundings then feeding is rarely an issue. A regular schedule is also helpful. I like to feed Wednesday mornings before going to work, (pull the frozen on tuesday night and let it thaw out overnight) My snakes know the schedule better then I do and are usually sitting up at the front of their tubs when I turn the lights on Wednesday morning.

I've tried that a few times. I fed him 2 live ones then I offered him a f/t one and he wouldn't take it. I've tried everything imaginable. Teasing him with it and stuff. (I have really long tongs that I use) but no interest. He only seems interested in playing with his mice. But I will keep trying it.

[MarkS]

I've tried that a few times. I fed him 2 live ones then I offered him a f/t one and he wouldn't take it. I've tried everything imaginable. Teasing him with it and stuff. (I have really long tongs that I use) but no interest. He only seems interested in playing with his mice. But I will keep trying it.

hungry snakes that feel confident don't play with their food. He's probably being cautious because he's still not completely comfortable.

[Sonny1318]

I don't think I ever had a snake that wouldn't switch over. Sometimes though you have to be patient. I had one that first only wanted fresh killed. Then only ones that I killed and froze. And then finally regular f/t. One of the moderaters on here once made a commit, if there hungry enough they'll eat. So try a month or so of the way your doing it, and offer a f/t again. Good luck.

[amozo]

Dip the f/t in hot chicken broth before feeding. Bet you it works.


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