Picky Snake- advice?

[lk_holla]

So this is kinda a twist on the 'why my snake won't eat' threads.

My normal girl has always been a bit of a picky eater (i have to leave it in her hide for her to eat at her leisure when I'm not around), but ever since I got a bulk bag of frozen rats, she really has no interest in eating. I attributed part of it to her winter fast, but its getting into summer soon and I'm getting frustrated. She's only taken maybe 4 in the past couple of months, after long streaks of not eating.

Her husbandry is the same as always (91-94 warm side, high 70's, low 80's cool, 50-60% humidity), is it possible that she just doesn't like the rats? I tried feeding her last night, and when i started dancing it around in her cage, she actually hissed at me when I put it too close to her (and i've NEVER heard her hiss). Should I give up with these rats and go back to the other brand she was used to? I've still got a few left but if I'm just going to keep throwing them out I'd rather just throw them out now and make some freezer space.

[thedarkwolf25]

Sounds like how Hera was for me. She would take F/T but it was always a little hit and miss. She would not touch rats no matter what I tried. I finally gave in and switched her to live mice and I haven't had a problem since. up to you what to try next, I'm just relaying how I got mine to start eating regularly.

[lk_holla]

She almost always ate the old f/t rats that I used to get her, but the $$ started to really add up so i bought a bulk bag to try and save money.

[thedarkwolf25]

Hmmm is there any notable differences between the rats you used to give her and the ones you have now?

[lk_holla]

not especially that I can tell. The smell may be a little stronger in some of them, and the last one i fed looked kinda like he died in a strange manner, but for the most part they seem pretty ratty.

[lk_holla]

does anyone have any experience of any particular brand of f/t discrimination from their snakes?

[Ch^10]

Yes. BPs can be finicky eaters. One of my girls will only take F/T weaned rats. One of my boys will take live one week and an F/T jumbo mouse the next. I found out my garbage disposal was no longer a garbage disposal when I offered her a different brand. My oldest (7 years), will take a rat one week, a mouse the next, and nothing the week after that (order changes, but you get the point). He's been picky (and spoiled) from day 1.

If your snake likes one brand and will consistently eat that brand, then stick with it (IMHO). Unless you enjoy the headaches that come along with a picky eater (I have more than a handful right now )!