Attempting to switch from live to F/T

[whispersinmyhead]

Well I wasn't planning on switching yet but I may be moving to Northern Ontario (Timmins) this Summer or Fall. They don't have any pet stores that sell live rats or mice so I am stuck with F/T as the only option after I move. I need to get her switched over. She weighs 311g and is about 9-10 months old. (This seems small but not sure how accurate the breeder was with age.)

Well I attempted my first F/T feeding since my BP was eating live for the breeder and I tried F/T first when I got her home after her acclimation but no success. She has been taking live pretty good but not before or during shed. I have had her about 2.5 months.

She shed while I was away for a week and I tried to feed her a F/T weaned rat tonight and she showed a little interest at first but lost it quickly. I think the rat cooled down too quick. She sort of just stopped tracking it.

I am feeding at night (10-11pm). I thawed it out in the room and then warmed it up in hot tap water for 10 minutes or so. I gave it a blast with the hair dryer and fed in her cage with hemostats. Maybe my zombie dance technique doesn't reach the critics expectations .

I have read quite a few posts on the subject and it seems that it is just a matter of patience. I read that not all can be switched (that scares me now that I am moving) and I also read some that say every BP can be switched.

Any advise or thoughts are appreciated. I think I am doing things right but I am open to ideas. I plan to just keep trying and keep an eye on her weight.

[Royal Hijinx]

I posted a how to on this a day or so ago. I am on my phone so can't link it.

[I-KandyReptiles]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=173235

[Royal Hijinx]

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=173235

Yep that's it. Thanks!

[whispersinmyhead]

Thanks I missed that thread somehow.

[whispersinmyhead]

Quick update. Refused the F/T. I let it defrost in the fridge overnight. I heated it up to 100f with blow dryer. She came out because of te smell but had no interest in the rat on the tongs. After 20 minutes I have up and put it in her hide and checked back. No go. I fed late at night.

As suggested I will offer live again for the next three meals. Has anyone had a snake that jut wouldn't switch? It is more important that she eats then how she eats. If I move this year the stead of the move an a change in meals may be too much.

I will keep this as a little log in the progress. I will attempt live feeding again this week an I expect it will go well. When it is time to try F/T I may try a P/K instead.

[M&H]

Out of 14 snakes I have only had one snake that hasn't switched to f/t. He was also a mouser and the only snake I had gotten from the Pet Store. I tried several times to have him switch even just to f/t mice but he was never interested ever. I think as long as she is showing interest you have a good shot.

I recently received two snakes from a breeder who only feeds live. It's taken me almost a month but FINALLY was able to get him to eat f/t. I put him in a smaller tub, didn't mess with him before feeding and put a f/t hopper that was super hot in his hide with him. Locking the lid and then walking away. He ate two that way!!

Good luck getting him to switch!