Yet another thread about getting frustrated while switching to rats

[coldbloodaddict]

Why not just feed her what she prefers to eat?

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[anwhit]

I used to be the same way. Now I feed all my ball pythons rats. As far as monitoring goes, just have a pair of tongs (or a pen/pencil) in hand so when then snake strikes, you make sure the rat can't bite (usually they will strike on the neck or head so it isn't a problem). Once you are sure it won't be of any danger, then you can put down the tongs and watch. The rats don't usually attack your BP. Just put them in and let them roam the tub/enclosure. Don't leave them in there more than about half an hour. If it hasn't eaten in half an hour, take the rat out.

Another thing you can do is try a smaller prey. Maybe try a small rat pup before you jump up to small rats.

Thats what I initially wanted to do, but my feeder supplier doesn't carry them. And since I only have her right now it would be ridiculous to order in bulk online.

[anwhit]

UPDATE: So... I went to go take the rat out of her cage this morning and she snatched it from me and dragged it into her hide. It's like as soon as there was a threat of it being taken away, only THEN did she decide to eat it.

Ugh I don't even know what her deal is anymore.

[anwhit]

Yet another update.

Switching from the food bin to her cage worked tremendously. She took it from me almost immediately and dragged it into her hide.

No more feeding her mice colonies every week!

[Dracoluna]

Yet another update.

Switching from the food bin to her cage worked tremendously. She took it from me almost immediately and dragged it into her hide.

No more feeding her mice colonies every week!

Congratulations! And yes, the feeding bin thing is a myth as far as bps are concerned. My big boy will only eat in his hide so that's not uncommon. If I don't put his rat IN the hide, he grabs it and drags it back in right away. If I take the hide away, he'll drop the rat and glare at me until I put it back. It's quite entertaining. Just keep watching to see what she prefers and she'll get back to being a garbage disposal for rats instead of mice in no time.