Eats mouse backwards every time!

[severe_bomber]

Just fed my new BP for the 3rd time in three weeks (which is how long I've had him). He's eaten it tail first again and has done the other 2 times as well!

I've heard this isn't all that uncommon, but is there any risk if he continues to do it every time?

He has no problems at all feeding other then this - takes it well.

He's 3.5' long, 3.5 years old ; feeding on 1 medium f/t mouse per week. I'm defrosting for several hours (about 5) at room temp and then giving them a blast in front of a fan heater.

Is the prey too small for him?

Thanks.

[kc261]

There really is no harm in them eating it backwards.

Since you are feeding f/t, if you pay a little attention to getting the head extra hot, that might help the snake find the head.

It is possible that it is more likely a snake will eat the rodent backwards if the prey item is too small. The rodent should be about the same size in girth as the largest part of your snake.

EDIT: I just re-read your post and noticed you said the snake is 3 1/2 years old. One medium mouse/week might not be enough, although since it is a male and not being used for breeding purposes, he probably isn't exceptionally big and doesn't use up a lot of resources. You might try giving him 2 mice per week.

[severe_bomber]

There really is no harm in them eating it backwards.

Since you are feeding f/t, if you pay a little attention to getting the head extra hot, that might help the snake find the head.

It is possible that it is more likely a snake will eat the rodent backwards if the prey item is too small. The rodent should be about the same size in girth as the largest part of your snake.

EDIT: I just re-read your post and noticed you said the snake is 3 1/2 years old. One medium mouse/week might not be enough, although since it is a male and not being used for breeding purposes, he probably isn't exceptionally big and doesn't use up a lot of resources. You might try giving him 2 mice per week.

Thanks

Yeah - 3 1/2 years old and 3 1/2 feet long. Haven't weighed him though...

When you say two mice, I take it you mean two at the same time rather then feeding him 2 separate simes per week? Perhaps I should move to larger ones....

Great idea about heating up the head! I'll def give that a go next time.

[kc261]

Thanks

Yeah - 3 1/2 years old and 3 1/2 feet long. Haven't weighed him though...

When you say two mice, I take it you mean two at the same time rather then feeding him 2 separate simes per week? Perhaps I should move to larger ones....

Great idea about heating up the head! I'll def give that a go next time.

Yes, 2 at one time is what I meant. Just feed the first as usual, but have the second one ready to go. Once he is finished swallowing the first, give him a moment to get it all the way down to his stomach and reset his jaw, then you can offer the second. If you have larger mice available, or if you want to switch him to rats (which he might or might not do), that would be fine as well.

[olstyn]

I'm defrosting for several hours (about 5) at room temp and then giving them a blast in front of a fan heater.

Others have already answered your question, but I have to raise a concern about your thawing method. It's really much better to thaw meat quickly and then heat rather than thaw very slowly like that. Letting a piece of meat sit out at room temp for several hours is just inviting bacteria to grow. You wouldn't leave raw chicken sitting out on the counter for yourself, after all (or at least, you shouldn't). Probably the best way to thaw things quickly is under cold running water; it should take much less time, and then you can get out the heater and/or a blowdryer to heat it up.

[severe_bomber]

Good point, olstyn

Will try the water method next time. It's a pain remembering to take them out the freezer in advance anyway!

[seeya205]

He could take a small to medium rat or 3 of those mice!