Quote Originally Posted by Brstin2flames View Post
A nice tip that worked for me was to defrost the mouse almost all the way, then place it in a plastic container with holes in it and put that in your BP's enclosure. Let it thaw out for about another hour and this will get the BP into hunting mode. Then I took the mouse out and blasted it with a hairdryer to warm it up, dangled it in front of my little guy and BAM he took it! And I had heard he was a problem feeder from the store I got him from. So I'd definitely suggest pre-scenting the room.

I also feed him when its dark out, leave the lights off in the room and only turn on the red lamp so I can see. I think this probably makes him feel more comfortable. Also, if your BP doesnt strike you can try leaving the (f/t) mouse in there for a little while and leave him alone and he may eat it himself.
Since you are going to try F/T, pre-scenting will be important. I also recommend using some type of tongs to present the mouse instead of your hands. Even after you heat it with a blow dryer or heat lamp, once it starts cooling off, your hand will still be at 98 deg. Since your fingers are about the same size as a mouse, and they smell like a mouse, and have a good heat signature, you snake might mis-judge the strike. If you don't have any feed tongs you can use some of those cheap bar-b-que tongs from the Dollar store. It just puts a space between your hand and the prey. Also if you lay the mouse under a heat lamp to heat it up, don't leave it there too long as to start cooking the mouse. I prefer the blow dryer for about 30-45 seconds. Here is a video that may help. Good Luck...

YouTube - 8 Ball Pythons - Feeding Lessons