Converting a post-lay female from live to f/t

[bigballs]

i really want to get this live eating girl on f/t rats so i figured now would be a great time to try considering that she must be starving after laying her clutch.

so i know breeding takes a huge physical toll on females but considering that females that maternally incubate their eggs for almost two months most likely do not eat, how long would be reasonable to attempt frozen thawed feedings and if they are unsucessful, give in and continue to feed her live.

any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Jason Bowden]

That's a tough one. My live rodent eaters eat live because that's all they will eat. I most certainly prefer f/t.
I will stay tuned to see what others have to say about this. Good luck and keep us informed.

[thefifthdentist]

I am trying to do the same thing. From what I have been able to find out on the subject killing live rats and offering them to the snake moments after when they are still warm and twitching is the first step. I guess if the snake accepts that you can try offering a kill not as fresh and so forth until you end up using f/t.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

From what I have seen with most of my females it is fairly easy.

I do so because I end up with a rat surplus during the winter (animals eating less) and offer F/T to my animals when they resume feeding and until I no longer have any F/T in my freezer.

Most of my females have been switching back and forth for 2 season in a row without problem.

Of course this does not mean it works for everyone this is just how it work for me.

[WingedWolfPsion]

I find my girls want a live rat hopper as a first post-lay meal, but after that most of them easily go back on f/t, and some who wouldn't take it before will start. Their appetite really picks up at this time of year, and it's a great time to switch them.

[cornball252]

Here is a little trick i learned.... might help you out..
When feeding her live hang on to the rats tail she should strike and hopefully miss if you quick enough or right before she strikes.. Then switch immediately to a F/T and dangle that one in front of her..(make sure its pretty dry, use a towel to dry it if you have too, I found this helps a bit) her feeding instincts should of taken over by now and she should just strike at it.. hang on to the rats kind of tugging at it so she constricts. and if she isnt a shy eater you can always put a smaller one at the butt of the one she is eating and sort of chain feed her. but dont do a too large of a meal... dont wanna over feed. Let me know if this helps. Worked for some of my live only feeders..