ball python weight & shedding

[MarcsReptileShed]

the petstore i bbuy my live stuff from doesnt sell rats i dont think, but if he takes this f/t right now than im in buisness

[The Serpent Merchant]

speaking of which i was just about to ask,ive been trying to convert over to frozen thawed im actually going to try to feed him right now a frozen thawed mouse, i have the feeding tongs and i try to make it move as realistic as possible, but he just doesnt seem interested... any ideas or tips?

How did you thaw/heat the rodent?

[MarcsReptileShed]

i get some steaming hot water than place the mouse still in the bag fully submerged into the water for about 15 minutes until it is warm and there are no cold spots and than i put it under the heat lamp to dry it off for a minute than i try feeding

[Shera]

speaking of which i was just about to ask,ive been trying to convert over to frozen thawed im actually going to try to feed him right now a frozen thawed mouse, i have the feeding tongs and i try to make it move as realistic as possible, but he just doesnt seem interested... any ideas or tips?

Did you try warming it up with a hair dryer? Especially the head.

ETA: I leave my weaned rats to thaw for 3 hours on top of the enclosure to pre scent the room, and then take it out and warm it with the hair dryer before offering it.

[The Serpent Merchant]

i get some steaming hot water than place the mouse still in the bag fully submerged into the water for about 15 minutes until it is warm and there are no cold spots and than i put it under the heat lamp to dry it off for a minute than i try feeding

In the future don't use hot water to thaw the rodent. Thaw the rodent in cold water then heat it under a heat lamp or with a hair dryer. Heat the rodent up to about 100 F. If you have a temp gun you can use it to check the temperature of the rodent.

Once you have it heated hold the rodent in feeding tongs by the tail and dangle it in front of the snake. Wiggle it, but don't be too aggressive with it. The last thing you want to do is scare the snake. Slowly move the rodent closer and farther from the snake until it strikes.

[MarcsReptileShed]

thanks ill try that but it might be hard with the cat lol

[Shera]

the petstore i bbuy my live stuff from doesnt sell rats i dont think, but if he takes this f/t right now than im in buisness

Not sure what pet store but they notoriously over price their feeders. Where are you located? I'm sure someone can find you a cheaper source of feeders

thanks ill try that but it might be hard with the cat lol

LOL, I have a cat too and she doesn't bother with it all. Maybe close the door if she's overly curious?

[MarcsReptileShed]

im in south jersey my feeder hoppers are only 1.79 when i buy them i dont think thats too expensive? i was ataully just messing around with the f/t small adult mouse that weighted about 13 grams and he took it for the first time. Now im just waiting for him to swallow it

[The Serpent Merchant]

That's great.

[MarcsReptileShed]

now im just hoping that hell swallow it and keep it down, ive read alot the 1st f/t they usually regurgitate or just "kill it" and dont eat it. He coiled around it and now hes just laying there with the tip of its head in his mouth, so hopefully he swallows it and keeps it down