help with potential future problem

[quinten801]

I've had my bp for about a year now, and no matter what I've done I have never been able to switch him from live to frozen, every time I attempt it, its almost like he gets scared. I've even had 2 people alot more experienced in herps than myself come over to help me out, but we never have any luck. my problem is I'm going to be moving to Alberta for work in 2 months and Just my luck rats are illegal there. I guess I'm just looking for some possible solutions, I will keep trying frozen, but he seems to be set in his ways.

[missi182]

Im pretty sure mice are legal but rats are not. Thats the dumbest law Ive ever heard of...guh...rats can be an infestation problem but jeez. Ill see if i can find more info

[quinten801]

Mice are legal, and I would be fine with mice, but I'm guessing feeding a full grown bp mice would be a little impracticable?

[missi182]

As far as I can find only mammals in the Rattus norvegicus category are actually illegal to own or breed in alberta. You might have to find yourself some fat mice and lots of em.

Also I dont know if youve tried this but put one live mouse in with your BP and right after the head of the mouse goes down with a set of hemostats hold a F/T small rat (since hes already had a mouse) by the back of the neck near his nose and he might take it. You may have to do that a few times but he may take the F/T after that without the live first to start the feeding response. I just kept trying with my BP often sitting with a pair of hemostats next to the tank and the F/T mouse in front of him. To keep his interest I would take it out if he didn't take it within 20 mins and try again in about 5. It sucks standing there making the F/T move around so it looks live but now I don't have to do that he just takes it as soon as I put it in front of him.

[quinten801]

I will definatly give what you just said a try, one other thing i was wondering, do some bp's just never accept frozen, or are they just more stubborn than the others?

[jdmls88]

yea mine wnt switch off live she loves em and honestly it shouldnt be a problem as long as you watch the feeding ya know

[NateDogg13]

Can you have ASF rats there. Dont see y they would be a problem? Africa/Canada same diff. haha