battle of wills

[tina_t]

i have a 09' lesser girl who hatched in early june. when i got her, she was eating live rat fuzzies -- living in alberta it is illegal to own, breed etc live rats...so when she refused the f/t fuzzy rats i offered live hopper mice, which she eats with gusto every time. now that she is a few months old, and has some body weight on her... i tried offering a dry thawed & warmed f/t mouse 2 weeks ago, which she ate and then the following week, with another f/t she refused. i offer food every 7 days. Tuesdays.

my question is, i didn't offer her anything else after she refused the f/t so she hasn't eaten since the first f/t on the 20th of October -- how long should i hold out for her to eat f/t before giving in to live again? I don't want to harm her growth, since she still is so young...

any suggestions/advice are welcomed! thanks!!

[Kaorte]

If she eats live mice, feed her live mice. Worry about switching her over when she has more meat on her bones and can do without a few meals.

[thegoalie22]

Totally agree with Kaorte. If you want you could also try feeding more than mouse at a time.

[Vypyrz]

How are you warming and presenting the F/T prey?

[tina_t]

i let it thaw dry, and then warm in a ziploc bag in hot water... its never touched by me and i just use tongs to present it.... i put on a little mouse-theatre for it...

she seemed interested last week... i think ill try offering her f/t again this week, if she doesnt eat, i'll grab a live and feed her that -- the f/t can go to the baby boa if she doesnt want it.

[BPelizabeth]

right before you give it to her try hitting it with a blow dryer on both sides.

[tina_t]

Great news! Last night I tried offering f/t again before giving her a live one...and she ate!!! and not only that but she ate 2 f/t hoppers! YAY!!!

Thanks for all the help guys! I'm pleased as punch!

Tina