Changing from Live to Frozen

[kk1020man]

I prefer to feed my snakes frozen/thawed. If I purchase an older snake that is used to eating live, is it difficult to switch them over and what is the process?

[xdeus]

It all depends on the snake. Some will switch over readily, and others may never switch over. The best thing to do if you want to switch is just offer it a F/T rodent on feeding day and see if he takes it. If not, there are a few things you can try such as scenting the room a half an hour before offering the rodent and offer a pre-killed rat before trying to offer a F/T.

Good luck!

[HALEN16]

I prefer to feed my snakes frozen/thawed. If I purchase an older snake that is used to eating live, is it difficult to switch them over and what is the process?

you can do it!....mine did after 15 years......pre-sent the room with a live rat for about 20-30 mins

[starmom]

Were I in your shoes, I would take the rat out of the freezer and allow it to thaw all day long in the snake room (by the tub or cage or viv, etc.) I would want it to be very very thawed! I mean REALLY thawed!! I would turn off the lights to where the snake is kept and wait an hour. After that hour of darkness has passed, I would get the rat and blast it with a blow dryer (in another room) to bring up the heat signature on the head. I would then go to the snake and zombie dance the rat. BAM!!! Good snakey.....

[dalvers63]

It all depends on the snake, though I have yet to meet one that didn't convert in time. I have a large adult female BP that had eaten live her whole life (10+ years) before I got her. She refused F/T until she was gravid and then she didn't care. I'm hoping after she lays that she will still fee the same way about F/T.