Feeding Question

[HerpsForDerps]

Hey guys!

Just a quick question regarding feeding my BP. She's currently 142 grams. I received her on April 25. She ate an adult f/t mouse in a separate container that was heated up in water and patted dry before I gave it to her (maybe a fluke?) that same night. I weighed her two days after on Friday the 27 and she came in at 136g (adult mouse was ~ 20 grams). I tried feeding her on Wednesday May 2 and she refused, but she weighed in at 140 grams. I tried again yesterday May 5 but this time heated up by a blow-dryer and in her cage (made sure it was dry because she is on Aspen) and she seemed to have no interest. She weighed in at 142 grams however so she seems to still be gaining weight. I know that small BPs are supposed to eat every 5-7 days. Could it be possible that she is still digesting? Her husbandry is good however her cool side is on the low side (putting an area heater in today for that which should work fine until summer kicks in).

What are the best methods for heating up a f/t mouse for the snake? I've also tried dangling/moving it in front of her and leaving her to her own devices with it in her tub. If she refuses to eat for another week or so should I try live? Also besides the need to upkeep a live rodent and the need for supervision to ensure the safety of the snake, are there any other downsides to live? What do you guys personally do to feed your BPs?

I have asked this question in a few other threads of mine. Sorry if I sound worried (I know I shouldn't be because snakes can go awhile without eating). I just would like to know my best course of action should she decide to not eat f/t again in a week and if I am heating it correctly.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[el8ch]

Hey There, congrats on the new snake!

Typically when I get a new snake I will set them up in their enclosure after 'signing them in' and (weighing them and checking them over) and then leave them for atleast a week if not 2 to get used to their new environment. You want to ensure that you keep handling to a minimum except for spot caning until they are eating regularly (3 or 4 meals).

I would suggest you leave her be until she has accepted some more meals before you start weighing her and taking her out of her enclosure.

Re: F/T. Thawig them out in warm water and then blow drying them a bit to heat them up is good. just make sure the water is not too hot as you don't want to "cook" them. my suggestion would to be to switch over to rats though. They will outgrow mice and it will be much easier feeding rats as prey items for their entire life.

Don't worry though about her missing a few meals. just let her get used to her new home and be patient.

[HerpsForDerps]

Ok thank you. How long do you typically wait between a refused feeding? Also do you have any recommendation on a good place online to buy rat pups? No stores near me carry anything less than small rats ~ 40g that I have found.

[el8ch]

Ok thank you. How long do you typically wait between a refused feeding? Also do you have any recommendation on a good place online to buy rat pups? No stores near me carry anything less than small rats ~ 40g that I have found.

I usually give them one week.

Many people on the forum use... www.rodentpro.com/. I've never had to order online so I cannot share my experience.

[The Serpent Merchant]

just keep to a 4 or 7 day feeding schedule. if he doesn't eat, wait until the next feeding day.

This is where I get my feeders, keep in mind that because of the shipping costs you have to order a large amount to cover the cost. In the end you end up saving huge amounts of money over buying locally but it is a large up front cost.

For example I buy 6 months worth at a time and it ends up costing me about $350 but if I bought the same rodents at local shops I would have paid at least $500

http://www.rodentpro.com/

[4Ballz]

are you able to breed your own rats?

[HerpsForDerps]

I would be interested in breeding my own rats. I just would be concerned about having too many at a time. Also since I have only one snake would it make sense to breed them?

[el8ch]

I would be interested in breeding my own rats. I just would be concerned about having too many at a time. Also since I have only one snake would it make sense to breed them?

Nope, wouldn't make sense. The overhead and care required would make it more costly and time consuming then ordering.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Nope, wouldn't make sense. The overhead and care required would make it more costly and time consuming then ordering.

x2, breeding isn't worth it for less than 5 snakes.

I'm personally going to stick with frozen until I have 15 snakes (and I'm not living in an apartment... the smell is terrible)

[HerpsForDerps]

Good point! I will be moving to an apartment soon and would not like to deal with the smell as well :p. How long would I be able to keep her on rat pups? Trying to determine what would be an appropriate amount to order.