My BP isnt catching mice very well...

[Mikekrause2000]

Hi, My python Mitch has always been fed live, since her first feed. Lately some of her "captures" haven't been so... well here are the pictures...

http://img859.imageshack.us/i/imag0053m.jpg/
http://img25.imageshack.us/i/imag0101ip.jpg/

She grabs them where it looks like the rat is going to get away. And the rat scratches and flails around. Is it because i cover her tank with a blanket so she can have complete darkness during a feed? What should i do? I dont want her to get hurt!

[SiQ']

I wouldnt cover the top incase the rat/mouse does get out. I would get some of the long tweezers and hold the rats tail so the snake will strike the head/neck. It's kinda of a pain but one of might had the same issue and I did this for a almost 2mons and his strikes really started to improve.

[Mikekrause2000]

I wouldnt cover the top incase the rat/mouse does get out. I would get some of the long tweezers and hold the rats tail so the snake will strike the head/neck. It's kinda of a pain but one of might had the same issue and I did this for a almost 2mons and his strikes really started to improve.

well this has only happened these 2 times. and only on small rats... when i fed her mice she did great! and on other rats she does really well too.

[SiQ']

I still would never cover it up and let a rat be alone with my snake. Thats just personal reference. I like seeing and making sure the light and such doesnt bother then when they are being feed. I take all my tubs out lay them on the floor and feed mine all at the same time. Only time light really bothers ball pythons is with albinos

[mpkeelee]

swicth to F/T. all babies start out on live and switch at some point.

[mommanessy247]

is your snake in a rush to grab the mouse? my girl has gotten a few "iffy" hits on her rats as well but they all ended up working out ok.

[SpiffyYoshi]

The first time I brought my 9-month-old girl home I gave her a live adult mouse. It seems like she stalked it but when she struck at it the mouse literally jumped a foot or two in the air. At one point I think she attempted to constrict but the mouse got away. Bad strikes or something. It was very agitated and I think it bit her or scratched her or something. Nothing serious but she hasn't shed in the 2 months I've had her. I do see little scratches and possibly teeth marks on her skin. Nothing deep though.

She is afraid of every rodent now, alive or dead. She does assist feed which is good but hopefully she snaps out of this. I don't enjoy jamming rats down her throat any more than she does.

[Mikekrause2000]

when i feed Mitch she always takes her time to eat it. she grabbed this rat about 10-15 mins after i dropped it in.

[KatStoverReptiles]

Could always switch to ft. Then it doesn't matter where she bites it and there's no risk of injury to your snake. Sometimes my girl eats them hind-end 1st.