2nd feeding attempt...

[nivek5225]

So I waited a week before trying to feed my little boy again, here was the first attempt:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=102082

So this time I changed just about everything. Still f/t though. I fed him in his enclosure, and later at night. I thawed out the adult mouse for about 2 and a half hours. He was about half way out of his hide just kinda hanging out. So first i just put the mouse a little bit in front of him, and nothing. Left the mouse in there, closed the enclosure and let him be for about an hour. Came back, and nothing, the mouse and snake were both just sitting there like they were buddies, lol. So i opened the cage and wiggled the mouse a little in front of him... and nothing. Then I took the mouse out and put it under a heat lamp for a couple minutes until it was actually warm to the touch(like a lot of you said to do!) Started putting the mouse back in front of him and he grabbed it INSTANTLY! It actually scared the crap out of me when he struck, LOL. I think the mouse was just not warm enough the other time. He doesn't seem to really be stressed out, so I think the mouse not being warm enough was definately the problem. I wanted to take a picture of him coiled around the mouse, but I didn't want to add any stress just in case, so i pretty much put the cover on and ran out of there so he wouldnt see me and get scared, lol.

THANK YOU EVERYONE THAT HELPED ME IN THE PREVIOUS POST! I was so relieved/proud of him when he ate, after initially jumping when he grabbed the mouse! I wasn't expecting him to grab it like that!

But now I have to wait another whole week to do it again!

[mainbutter]

I always feed warm to any snake that has heat pits, IMO it is a necessity to get the best feeding results.

Glad your guy fed!!

[Kaorte]

Thats great! I was worried when I read the thread title that you had another refusal. Good to know he ate for you!

[Neal]

Congrats on converting him to f/t.

[Vypyrz]

Congratulations... It's such a relief isn't it...


Rob

[seeya205]

Its great to see them feed! I always love watching! Amazing!

[Strtaylor]

Thats awesome i just fed my 3 for the first time on sunday! The most amazing sight ever lol! Congrats on the feed.

[Lolo76]

Congrats! It's a great feeling when they finally eat, isn't it?

Just be careful the prey isn't TOO hot, as I made that mistake recently. I used a hair dryer because the mouse got wet (and needed more heat), but didn't think to check the temperature before offering it... he struck & coiled, then immediately dropped it and shook his head like "OW!" Didn't leave a mark or anything, but it definitely taught me a lesson - gross as it is, I'm now using my bare finger to check before feeding F/T.