Trying f/t

[Bennie1986]

So I finally found a specialized reptile shop that's locally owned. I went to pick up some feeders because not only are they better on price but they actually have something other than medium and above rats however they do not stock live. I've been wanting to switch to rats as they are better for her but my snake has always been fed live. I bought her one live adult Mouse and to weaned rats that are Frozen thawed. I want to get her into feeding mode with the live mouse then offer the rats. Hoping this goes well because I'd rather her get the nutrients she needs from rats and be able to support a local reptile shop. Wish me luck!

[iswearimsober]

I switched both of mine from live to f/t just for the ease of not having to deal with uneaten prey. They both took right to the f/t with no problems. Wishing you the best of luck. Just make sure you thaw them properly, and heat them properly.

[Regius_049]

I am of the opinion that any snake can be switched. Some can be really stubborn and switch easily, then all of a sudden turn their nose up at F/T. Persistence is key.

[Bennie1986]

Unfortunately it didn't work. She took the live mouse in seconds but would not have the f/t rats.

[DennisM]

Unfortunately it didn't work. She took the live mouse in seconds but would not have the f/t rats.

Skip the live mouse next time and just offer the ft rat. If she won't take it, wait until her next feeding day and try again.

[Bennie1986]

Skip the live mouse next time and just offer the ft rat. If she won't take it, wait until her next feeding day and try again.

I tried another live mouse today and now she refused that

[Neal]

I tried another live mouse today and now she refused that

Skip the live he was saying. ONLY offer the f/t prey. Also you're trying to go from live mice to f/t rats, that smell differently. Try a f/t mouse next time, or a f/t rat. If she doesn't want to eat then wait until next week to feed her, don't give her live right after she doesn't take the f/t. She'll be okay to miss a week if she doesn't take.

[Spiritserpents]

Why are you trying to feed her two days in a row? Don't do that.


My ball python Whiskey has been fed live for the past year as she was living at a friend's house. She's now home with me and I feed f/t to all my corns and have frozen weanling rats on hand. I didn't feed her for 2 weeks, thawed out a rat, warmed the rat up, and then dunked the head in *hot* water....I had a pot of water set to medium low for this purpose. Whiskey was interested when it was on the tongs but every time I moved would retreat back into the hide. So I put the rat on a paper towel and left her overnight. And she ate it sometime several hours later.

[Bennie1986]

Why are you trying to feed her two days in a row? Don't do that.

She only ate one when she normally has three. I figured she would still like a full meal lol.