Feeding Question

[m1n054]

So, I already got one week with my ball python and I tried feeding him a F/T hopper (breeder told me he eats them just as well as F/T rats and petco doesn't have fuzzy rats) and he didn't take it. I think it's kind of my fault because I put him in front of him at first instead of dangling it. So I'm leaving it there for the night and see if he eats it tomorrow. I don't think he'll eat it though... Would they eat it if not fed from tongs?

Next weekend there's a Repticon on Austin, you think I should wait for it and buy rats? or should I go buy live mice?

[Crazymonkee]

If he doesn't eat it go with getting the rats first since that's what he was eating, if he still refuses I'd go with a live hopper.

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[Physician&Snakes]

Lol, scroll down this forum section bud, you will find what you are looking for.

[m1n054]

Lol, scroll down this forum section bud, you will find what you are looking for.

You are mistaken, my first question was more like if they will eat a rodent that is laying around instead of being fed from tongs. I then casually asked what might other people do, buy F/T rats or get live mice.

[satomi325]

Yes. Snakes will eat F/T when its just left in their enclosure over night. But depending on the snake, it might not eat still either.

What's your husbandry and set up like? If a youngster doesn't eat, 90% of the time its due to environmental factors.

And until your snake eats at least 3 consecutive times, do not handle your snake. You want to keep the stress down to a minimum and maximize its chances to start eating.

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[Physician&Snakes]

You are mistaken, my first question was more like if they will eat a rodent that is laying around instead of being fed from tongs. I then casually asked what might other people do, buy F/T rats or get live mice.

Not you specifically bud, the forum in general. Anyway to answer your question, yes I have a 2013 pastel that prefers her f/t prey to be left at the entrance to her hide. As Satomi said most people will hold off on handling until a few meals are down...all of my balls and retics are usually handled about 3-4 times a week regardless of how long I have had them and I have yet to have any real feeding issues...if I remember correctly I gave the pastel about 2 days to settle in then handled her twice between last Tuesday and Friday...she ate Saturday night after 7 days with me. If you want to be safe then yes limit handling to basic maintenance purposes, but at the same time I would not count on 2-3 handling sessions in a quiet environment to be a definite cause for fasting.

[Naom9Anne]

I honestly wouldn't be too worried about not eating just yet, my pastel didn't eat for the first three feeds, ate on the four, missed the fifth and has just eaten her sixth. She is no worse off for it.

The first time she fed for me she was in the cool hide and butter fingers (me) dropped the rat off the tongs. I then proceeded to "wiggle" the rat on the floor by gently pushing the tongs on the side of the rat which seemed to entice her. Tonight she showed interest in the rat on the tongs but didn't strike until I had left it on the floor of the viv. There is nothing to say they won't feed off tongs but every snake is individual and feeds differently (or like mine will feed in many different ways).

On the other hand my het albino male has eaten every feeding attempt without an issue by wiggling the snake on the tongs in front of his hide.

I would say to try to stick with the feed of choice that he is used to and don't worry if he doesn't eat for a week or so. You'll soon get used to how he likes his food to be "presented" as such! I would also agree with the not handling unless absolutely necessary and try to hold off until you have at least two consecutive feeds, it's not a rule to go by but more of a guideline a lot of people suggest!

Good luck with your little fella!