New baby ate for the first time

[Xeperxi]

Hi everyone:

I just got my first ball python (well, my first snake period) recently and tonight I tried feeding him for the first time. I thawed the rat fuzzy and warmed it with a blow dryer. He was in his hide and once I removed it he curled up into a ball. Within a minute of dangling the rat near him, he poked his little head out slowly, then took 2 huge breathes of air (at least thats what I think it was, his body all of a sudden inhaled and exhaled big time) and bam, he took the rat and coiled. Only took him about 5 minutes to down the rat.

I know this may sound corny, especially since most of you have had snakes for years and its no big deal, but for me this was an awesome moment. For one, I was relieved he ate and hopefully will be a good eater, I honestly expected him to be more difficult being he is still acclimating himself and also I was kind of proud, like a parent seeing their child excel at something (not a good analogy but closest I could come

It honestly made my day and cant wait to be with him for years to come.

Michael

[Daybreaker]

It's always exciting to see that new addition take their first meal with you: it's a big relief!

Hopefully he's an easy eater for you, when I got my spider female back in April she was only on live so I had to find ways to convert her to F/T. After many failed attempts and a few successes, I finally found her "eating quirk" and she eats every time for me (F/T off tongs).

If your guy gets picky with you, don't give up: in time you'll come to learn him to the point when you'll know when he'll be going into shed, is feeling nervous or ill, looking hunrgy over looking stressed, etc.

Good luck!

[JulieInNJ]

...and it's always great to see a baby strike! One of my little ones just did it this week. Still waiting for the other little one to do it! Congrats!

[RetiredJedi]

That is awesome. It really is a big deal when they eat for the first time. Congrats.

[Tree]

Awesome good for you guys. Are you going to try and feed him every 5 or 7 days?

[RestlessRobie]

Grats on the first feed I still love to see them strike so dont feel to weird about it. And yes it is a good feeling when they feed for the first time
Robie

[mpkeelee]

Ahhh, the taste of success. Or frozen rat, whatever. Glad he ate for you.

[meowmeowkazoo]

I made a thread about this same thing! It's so exciting when your new baby finally eats for the first time.

[Xeperxi]

Thanks everyone yeah I figured I would feed him once a week, would you suggest every five days instead?

[meowmeowkazoo]

I feed my babies as often as they want food. Some of mine will eat every 3-4 days and some will only eat every 7-8 days.