triying to put ball python on weaner rats

[xdaman666x]

hi all i have got a 1 year old ball python his wight is 350gs and i have been triying to feed him on weaner rats there are wighing from 70gs each but he wornt eat them. i have done all sorts to get him to eat them like giveing him a small mouse first. worming it up.and giveing it him wet and worm.i was just woundering if i am giveing it to him to early just let him get a bit bigger first.

[Andybill]

try giving him a live weaner rat and then tuck the tub in the rack a little bit but enough you can still see in so you can keep an eye on the rat and then give your guy some time he should go for it. my guys wont eat their live rodents unless they are in the rack most of the way and dont think I will mess with them.

[xdaman666x]

i will try that he has allwaye eaten frozen mice. i can give him a frozen mouse and he will eat it with no problems.

[Andybill]

keep us posted. Also heres a good thread on how to convert feeders.

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...hlight=jinx667

[xdaman666x]

i will do i am going to try him with live feed at the end of the week has i tryed to feed him yesterday and i domt want to stress him out.thanks for the advice

[Stewart_Reptiles]

If you want to convert him offer a rat the same size than usually offered, this will make the transition smother, once switch you can feed a larger prey.

Do not feed live unless you are willing to keep feeding live.

He already eat f/t rat so all you have to do is do the switch which can take time and tough love.

[Andybill]

If you want to convert him offer a rat the same size than usually offered, this will make the transition smother, once switch you can feed a larger prey.

Do not feed live unless you are willing to keep feeding live.

He already eat f/t rat so all you have to do is do the switch which can take time and tough love.

I agree with this for the most part. Some balls will only feed live once started on live which I have only one right now that wont have anything to do with F/T. I had to get 3 others going with live rodents but they quickly accepted F/T on the very next feedings. I may just be very lucky though cuz for the most part my snakes all feed extremely well. But then again I have only been keeping balls for a short time compared to Deborah who I am sure has many years over me. but it is something to be aware of so good luck in your feeding endeavors!

[snakesRkewl]

70 gram "smalls" are too big for a 350 gram snake unless it is a very aggressive eater it will probably shy away from a meal that large., try dialing it back to 10 to 15 percent of the snakes weight and see what happens.
35 to 40 gram weanlings would be more appropriate imo.

[xdaman666x]

thank you all for your comments but i think snakesRkewl has hit the nail on the head i will try and give him a smaller feed.

[cowbully]

I just tried converting my male pastel to weaner rats 2 Weeks ago..after a few tries he ate but this week he won't..and now having tough time to get him to eat mice......all are live..don't know what happened...he is a very aggressive eater weighing in at 425 grams...

My female spider at 360 grams is a shy feeder...hadn't eaten in 2 Weeks...

Good thread..keep us posted...