help; feeding rat hatchlings..

[Ginevive]

I tried feeding them mouse pinkies that seemed like the perfect size. After their first sheds, I tried and none of them would eat. I offered thawed pinks overnight, no dice. Please, any advice would be appfeciated on getting them to eat.

[TekWarren]

I have had success using a deli cup for small snakes with food left in overnight. Just the snake and the pink maybe cover it so there is complete darkness. Maybe try live food to get them started if you haven't. I honestly don't know much specifically about captive rat snakes or what things you might try scenting with.

[RichardA]

Try live pinks. That will probably do it. If not the deli-cup trick usually will. I have had some not eat for a few weeks post first shed then just take to it like nothing ever happened.

Good Luck!

[jjspirko]

Yep first start with the deli cup over night, then if that don't work try live the same way.

One thing that gets them to take F/T at times is wash the pinks in a very mild solution of soap and water, Ivory is a favorite since it is so pure.

The theory is that frozen mice pee and poo on themselves, during their final sleep which is why they tend to stink.

By washing them you remove the pee/poo stink and leave only mouse smell, I mean you can't get rid of mouse smell on a mouse.

I have used this as a last resort on my hatchling house snakes and all but the most stubborn have fallen for it. Be it to get them to eat at all or to get them switched to F/T

[Ginevive]

Interesting; I will be hitting up the local deli for some cups asap.

[piranhaking]

also, brown paper bags are supposed to work just as well.