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Thread: Live vs. F/T

  1. #1
    Registered User Unstable3lement's Avatar
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    Live vs. F/T

    So...I got two new baby BPs and before I recieved them they were eating live. My spider BP, I got to eat F/T once and this latest feeding, I couldn't tell if she was striking out of stress or just couldn't snag it and then my albino just seems to refuse F/T.

    Any techniques or tricks to try and get them switched over to F/T permanently? It is a little easier for me to do F/T because that is what I feed the other 5.
    $n@k3 Kissssssssssss

    1.0 Pastel BP (Moscato)
    1.0 Normal BP (Kahlua)
    0.1 Albino BP (Lemoncello)
    0.1 Spider BP (Stella Artois)
    1.0 Columbian/Hog Boa (Jameson)
    0.1 DH Coral Albino Boa (Brandy)
    0.1 Red Tail Boa (Killian)
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  2. #2
    BPnet Senior Member Don's Avatar
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    I've had very good luck when I warmed the F/T up until it felt warm in the hand. I place my f/t under a heat lamp after they reach room temps. Cooler and I can't always get one to eat. Also, when you go to feed, do it at night and be slow. Make sure the scent of the rat gets around the enclosure. You will see the little snake head rise a little when they become interested. Don't get too close, that might scare them. After they strike, I usually tug on the tail a little to simulate struggle. Not sure if anything I do is perfect, but it works for me pretty darn well. I haven't had a baby yet that I couldn't convert, as I knock on wood.

  3. #3
    BPnet Lifer Vypyrz's Avatar
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    Re: Live vs. F/T

    Make sure that the prey is thoroughly thawed, then use a blow dryer to heat it up to about 99-100F. That is the natural body temp of a live rat and it will give them a good signature to aim at. If they don't seem interested right away, try laying it about 2-3 inches in front of their hide, turn out the lights and leave them alone for the rest of the night. If it is still there in the morning, throw it away. Sometimes you may just have to use tough love and play the waiting game. If it comes to that, make sure you keep track of their weight, in case you have to eventually give in and offer a live prey. Good Luck!!!
    "Cry, Havoc! And let slip the dogs of war..."

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    BPnet Senior Member Slim's Avatar
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    Thomas "Slim" Whitman
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