ball python first feed tips please :)

[sho220]

Nice!

[sho220]

No luck with that mouse. Will try again next week going to leave him undisturbed for a week so he can settle down more. What's the best way to defrost and so the mouse is warm enough for him to recognise it? Mug of hot water seems to be the most popular method? Might try that one

Into a ziplock and into warm/hot water until fully defrosted and warm.

[hovercroft]

You might want to wait until night time. I am dealing with a picky eater, and I've found that many times if I turn out the lights and leave him for an hour or two, then come back, he is 'hunting' in his tub. That's when I'd expect to get the best feeding response.

I'm going to try this way next week. I think waking him out of his hide while it was still light put him off. I often see him roaming around 9ish so that sounds like the best approach. Going to let him settle for another week first

[Seanjackmc]

I'm going to try this way next week. I think waking him out of his hide while it was still light put him off. I often see him roaming around 9ish so that sounds like the best approach. Going to let him settle for another week first

Just a thought from a fellow new owner. My sons snake which is just over a year (hatch date 2/7/12) is 475gr. Looks healthy to me. We have had him about three weeks. Fed him a live feeder mouse the first time no problem. Last week I bought a small frozen rat about 50 gr. I tried to lift his hide and do the dance and all that to no avail. He would check it out then move on to something else. Ended up leaving the rat in his cage turned out the light and left him alone. Came back an hour later and he was in his hide with the rat half way down. IMO i think some snakes need some privacy. Let it in there overnight and see what happens. No harm in that.
gdlk

[SRMD]

I tried to lift his hide and do the dance and all that to no avail.

I don't think lifting the hide up is a good idea, you should try and get the scent of the rat/mouse into the cage, with a blow/hairdryer.. and wait for the BP to come out.

[hovercroft]

I made the mistake of lifting up his hide. I think that alone stressed him enough to go off any food. I'm going to wait till he's actually out of it himself later on in the night next week.

[SRMD]

I made the mistake of lifting up his hide. I think that alone stressed him enough to go off any food. I'm going to wait till he's actually out of it himself later on in the night next week.

You should try pre-scenting the room your snake is in, like I said before maybe just blow drying the rat so the scent will get to the snake.
I always blow dry the rat before feeding my BP and he comes out instantly, my BP always feeds never misses a meal when I do this.

[hovercroft]

Thanks will try that. He's not really had a chance to settle in yet. I've been messing with bulbs and such trying to get his temps right so leaving him alone for a week so he can adjust

[Seanjackmc]

I don't think lifting the hide up is a good idea, you should try and get the scent of the rat/mouse into the cage, with a blow/hairdryer.. and wait for the BP to come out.

Much agreed, call it a learning curve. Do you blow dry directly above or in front of the enclosure? It's feed time tonight so ill try that and see if he comes out.

[hovercroft]

Just watching him now. He keeps poking his head out for a bit then retreats back in his hide. I have a feeling waving a mouse in front of him is going to scare him away. This is with all lights off just watching with a red bulb from the tank.