Switching feeding from live to f/t

[andys777]

I am trying to switch my bp from live to f/t. I have tried feeding him 3 weeks now and every time he will strike coil up then ill go back in the room the next day and he has still not eaten his meal. Whats going on?

[AK907]

Ball pythons are notorious for being picky eaters. A lot will not take f/t. Ever. And those that do switch have a habit of changing their minds later on. Its all part of owning a ball python.

How long have you had your ball? Has it eaten live for you? How many times? How old is it and how many grams? Describe your setup in detail (size, temps, humidity, location in house, number of hides, how often you handle it, etc). Are you sure your feeders are properly thawed and up to temp? Answering these will help narrow down any problems besides a picky eater.

[akjadlnfkjfdkladf]

try heating it up with a blow-dryer. Snakes like that heat signature and i think it makes the mouse a bit smellier

[bad-one]

try heating it up with a blow-dryer. Snakes like that heat signature and i think it makes the mouse a bit smellier

This helps a lot! I also give a little tug to the rodents tail when the snake coils around it to simulate a little bit of struggle from my zombie rat/mice in the hopes of getting the snake even more into it (the snake will tighten it's coils).

I've had a lot of success switching younger snakes. I typically would go from live, to pre killed, to f/t for stubborn snakes. Adults from my experience can be a bit tougher. Just keep trying.