Feeding Mode?

[Twitchy]

I have a newb question. How do you tell if your BP is in feeding mode? I have had my guy for almost two weeks. I tried a F/T mouse a week after I got him and he refused it I did switch him to a different tub to feed but now know this is actually not helpful as it will stress him out. a few days later I tried a rat pup (eyes just starting to open, not really able to move around much) and left it with him for about 30 minutes in his enclosure in front of his hide opening. Nothing. I have heard you can use used feeder bedding to get them to a feeding mode. It has been about 4 days since my last feeding attempt, should I try the live rat pup tonight I am tired of taking care of it lol.

[Royal Hijinx]

When I hear the term "Feeding Mode" I think of the the hyper-alert, ready to strike and take down anything mode they can get in to at feeding time.

Sounds like you just want your boy to feed. Welcome to Ball Pythons, and make friends with patience.

There is not a need to feed in a separate tub. Make sure your husbandry is dialed in (MULTIPLE resources on here for that) and offer the appropriate sized meal weekly. If it gets to be more than a couple of months, depending on his size, you MAY want to consider the next step.

For now, husbandry and patience.

Oh, and you can humanely kill and freeze the pup.

[LLLReptile]

I would wait a full week before offering a prey item again, and make sure you are not handling your new snake. It can take them a while to get settled in and ready to eat.

Make sure you're offering a big enough prey item and don't offer more often than once a week. Offering food too much can cause a lot of stress, which makes it take even longer for your snake to start eating.

-Jen

[Twitchy]

I know I just need to be a little more patient, He was on live rat pups before I got him but I would really like to switch him to F/T. Should I keep offering live until he is eating well for a few feedings then try to make the transition.

[CptJack]

My (inexpert) opinion would be to get a few (3-5) meals down him and then work on switching. That way you know he's in good shape to fast for a while.

[Twitchy]

That's kind of what I was thinking, Thanks!