How to Switch from ASFs

[Misfit]

So my adult pastel female won't eat, and we have just hit the three month point, and while I know this isn't an issue I know from the person I got her from that she was off feed a few months prior to my getting her because of breeding season. I'm not too worried, since she hasn't lost any dramatic weight, BUT I am getting frustrated! At this point, she should have eaten something and I'm assuming she hasn't been eating because she was an ASF eater before I got her and well.... I live in California where I cannot find a stinkin ASF of any kind. As far as I know it's even illegal to get their bedding GAH.

So, any tips?

I've tried:
Every size of mouse, live, P/K and F/T.
Left in P/K overnight
Braining
Pre-scenting
Dangling, zombie dancing, every sort of mouse-maneuver I can think of

She's in a rack system run by thermostat, so temps are 70s-high 80s, with a hotspot of 90. Her humidity is a bit high right now because of my weather, running between 60-70. She's in a smallish tub with a hide, and has been for a solid month and a half, before that she was in a tank with blacked out walls. She's not shy, but we haven't been handling her too much just in case she's insecure. She gets somewhat interested... but then never strikes.

Anywho, I'm not posting to get everyone to analyze my set-up, but I'm asking for hints and tips for those who cannot acquire ASFs that need to switch a problem eater. I want to figure this out BEFORE it becomes an issue and she begins to loose weight.

Thanks.

[llovelace]

I have several that will only take asf's, you can order frozen on-line.

[wax32]

I notice that you mention trying every size mouse... what about rats? An adult female can easily eat medium sized rats. A mouse may no longer be a big enough food item to even get her interested? PLUS the snake may be in breeding mode and just not want to eat. My largest girl hasn't eaten since August, but I am not even beginning to think about starting to worry any time soon... maybe in June I'll start to think about getting ready to begin being troubled.

[AK907]

I notice that you mention trying every size mouse... what about rats? An adult female can easily eat medium sized rats. A mouse may no longer be a big enough food item to even get her interested? PLUS the snake may be in breeding mode and just not want to eat. My largest girl hasn't eaten since August, but I am not even beginning to think about starting to worry any time soon... maybe in June I'll start to think about getting ready to begin being troubled.

[Misfit]

I've tried rats as well, live as well as F/T. And it's definitely starting to trouble me considering she hasn't eaten since last breeding season. So June has come and gone. Thank you though. :>

I really, really want to get her off of ASFs. They are very expensive and tend to not be available online. The company I order F/T from is in my state so my shipping isn't through the roof. The cost is a bummer, but if there is no other choice.. I could, but I'm guessing there are other choices. Besides when I did look around, I honestly couldn't find them in stock anywhere!

Blahhh on ASF legality. :<

[meeistom]

Use ASF bedding and have live small rats run around on it for a few hours and sometimes they pick up enough of the asf scent and the snake eats them. It's worked for me converting over african imports to rats. Not 100% of the time mind you but about 60% of the time it's worked. I'm sure if you ask your asf supplier for some they'd give it to you. Hey just throw out used bedding anyway.

[don15681]

I breed asf and have many snakes on them. when she gets hungry she should switch. this can take some time. the best way I found is right after a female lays her eggs she will usually switch.

[Misfit]

Thanks! Those were my only two ideas too. I'm a bit hesitant to breed her since she's a liiiittle small for my starting weight (1400) but I think she'll be okay. Fingers crossed that it takes!

If that doesn't work I'll try and find someone to mail me ASF bedding, lol!