Getting frustrated

[Craiga 01453]

Could also try the "nose-tear" maneuver if you haven't yet.

Also, what is the "nose-tear" maneuver?

[ShaneSilva]

As somebody who is still new to keeping snakes properly, can you please educate me on what braining is? I'm curious and want to soak up any knowledge I can. Thanks !!

Basically cutting or splitting the head open exposing the brain matter.

[ShaneSilva]

@el-ziggy

Have you tried different color rats? Never had that issue personally but know a couple people who's snakes would only eat certain color rats.

[MrBrightside]

Also, what is the "nose-tear" maneuver?

If you want to enhance the palatability of a FT rodent, you can try tearing the nose skin with forceps or whatever before you move up to braining.

[Craiga 01453]

Ok, thanks guys. That's what I assumed, but was curious. Now why the nose/brain? Is it a scent thing with those parts specifically? Or is it to attract the snake to the head of the prey, since that's how they eat it, head first. Does that just make the scent stronger since it's the closest part to the snake if you're feeding with tongs?

[EL-Ziggy]

@ Gio- I'm going to try f/t feeders two more times. The breeder says that's what she was eating and of course that's what I'd prefer. If I don't have any success in the next 2 weeks I'm definitely going live. She was eating rat fuzzys which I tried twice. I tried a rat pup this last time thinking the extra fur and larger size might entice her but still no dice. This is the first picky eater in my crew of 8 snakes. I guess there has to be a problem "child" in every collection . My Bredli got a taste of mice and shut down on rats for a little while but he's been back on track his last 3 feedings. He probably won't ever see another mouse. I really want this albino girl to get on track. She's so pretty and I just want her to thrive .

@ Shane- I never thought about different colored mice and all of the ones I have are white. If I go live I'll see if they have other colors. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll try anything at this point.

[ShaneSilva]

@ Shane- I never thought about different colored mice and all of the ones I have are white. If I go live I'll see if they have other colors. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll try anything at this point.

If I remember right all white rats were the issue. They'll instinctively catch brown/black/gray rodents in the wild but the all white lab rat supposedly throws them off? That's what they say anyway. Hope you get her on track soon !

[Gio]

@ Gio- I'm going to try f/t feeders two more times. The breeder says that's what she was eating and of course that's what I'd prefer. If I don't have any success in the next 2 weeks I'm definitely going live. She was eating rat fuzzys which I tried twice. I tried a rat pup this last time thinking the extra fur and larger size might entice her but still no dice. This is the first picky eater in my crew of 8 snakes. I guess there has to be a problem "child" in every collection . My Bredli got a taste of mice and shut down on rats for a little while but he's been back on track his last 3 feedings. He probably won't ever see another mouse. I really want this albino girl to get on track. She's so pretty and I just want her to thrive .

@ Shane- I never thought about different colored mice and all of the ones I have are white. If I go live I'll see if they have other colors. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll try anything at this point.

The best way is what you have described. Actually setting up and feeding exactly like the breeder was doing before you took over is recommended.

Keep working at it. The snake will come around.

[Sauzo]

As somebody who is still new to keeping snakes properly, can you please educate me on what braining is? I'm curious and want to soak up any knowledge I can. Thanks !!

'Braining' is when you take a dead mouse or rat and you cut the skull open a little to expose the brain/juice. The smell usually drives BPs and other picky eaters into usually eating. Then after a few times of that, they associate the smell of the rat as being food and you don't need to brain it anymore.

[Sauzo]

Well I guess Allie had that good thing going for her. She was probably 2nd easiest snake I switched over from live white mice to F/T rats of any color. I kind of miss the Jungle lol. Maybe I'll get another Jungle or Jungle Jag but get a baby and start fresh with one that is straight from a breeder like Nick Mutton as I'll have 2 cages free here at the end of the month. Save one cage for the Pucallpa and get a Jungle or Jungle Jag and put the Snow glow project on the back burner.......too many snakes and too little space hahaha.