Feed Question

[TLChris]

I have a young BP that will only eat live, she will strike at and constrict F/T but will not eat it. Any advice would be appreciated, since I dont have a supply of live mice anymore since my local pet store (only one that sold live mice) closed down

[Craiga 01453]

How are you preparing and offering the F/T prey?

[WhompingWillow]

In addition to Craig's question about how the prey is being prepared, some snakes need you to give the rodent a few little tugs after the snake strikes and coils to simulate live prey.

[TLChris]

I either air thaw or thaw in cool water and I heat it with a blow dryer, I have tried tugging on it after it was grabbed and constricted. I dont have any issues with my other snakes using this method so IDK if its the method of thawing. though i guess its not impossible.

[Craiga 01453]

I either air thaw or thaw in cool water and I heat it with a blow dryer, I have tried tugging on it after it was grabbed and constricted. I dont have any issues with my other snakes using this method so IDK if its the method of thawing.

I've had snakes that will only eat F/T if it's wet, some will only eat when it's dry. Some will only eat if the prey is left in the enclosure and the snake has privacy.

Are you sure they prey is being served around 100°F? Some snakes require a higher heat of prey.

[TLChris]

I'll check with my temp gun next time I feed, and ill try feeding wet. Such picky little eaters

[Craiga 01453]

I'll check with my temp gun next time I feed, and ill try feeding wet. Such picky little eaters

Yes they can be. Sometimes it takes patience, trial and error and sometimes tough love.

[TLChris]

well she ate, warmed up a mouse in warm water and let it stay soaked, she took it down. thanks for the advice