Jake update (the bp who bit himself) and feeding questions

[april]

Jake is doing very well, and has not bitten himself again. I've switched to feeding him every 2 weeks instead of 3. Thanks for this advice - I think he was just too hungry when he had his 'accident'.

I've tried switching Jake to freshly killed rats, but so far it hasn't worked. I've also talked to his former owner, and she tells me that she could never get him to eat anything but live. (for 13 years)

A few days after he does his #2, he becomes very active in his enclosure at night. (is this hunting?) This is when I go and buy him his next meal. But, if its dead, Jake doesn't pay any attention to it. But, the minute I give him a live rat, he jumps on it right away. I just can't make him wait too long, I'm afraid he'll stop eating completely.

Also, I don't know what size rat to feed Jake. Once, Jake ate a rat that was huge - much bigger than his body. It took him a long time, and I didn't think he'd get it down, but he did. But, most of the time when I ask for a large rat, they give me one that isn't as wide as Jake's body.

So, I have a few questions:
1. What is the best way to make the switch to killed rats?
2. Exactly how big should Jake's rats be? (Jake is 46 inches long.)

Thanks for any help!
April

[Hockeymom]

Hi April-
I have a Bp that is too stuborn to eat pre killed, he was like this when I got him as an adult. As far as size goes the prey item should be as big around as the widest part of the snakes girth. When I feeed my stubborn male I thump the rat just to stun him a little, those big rats can take some big ol bites out of the snakes if they get pissed off. I feed my Bp's every week if they want to eat, and most of them do.

Good luck.
Hockeymom

[gozetec02]

I fed Jojo fresh killed and he wont take it unless i use the tongs and dangle it. The key is to maintain the normal body temps. The ideal thing to do is to knock out the rat right before feeding. A large rat is probably way too big for your snake. I feed small rats and he seems to do ok with it. The large rats i see at the reptile store are huge.

[led4urhead]

I'm glad to hear Jake is doing well! How is his wound? Is it healing nicely?

1. What is the best way to make the switch to killed rats?
2. Exactly how big should Jake's rats be? (Jake is 46 inches long.)

1. I would definitely try doing the "rat dance" with a pair of tongs or hemostats. One of my bp's wont even show any interest unless its "moving". I've also had success with just droping the pre-killed rat into the feeding box, covering the top, and letting the snake get the idea on its own. Just because they don't seem interested at once doesn't mean they're not. This is the only way Andy will eat. He needs to be completely left alone.

2. The prey should generally be as big or just bigger than the largest part of the snake. If you are buying live rats and whacking them yourself, try going back with the salesperson and picking out one you like. That way you can see how big it is and if it is the appropriate size.

Good luck!

[april]

Jake's wound has healed almost completely - when his belly is fully extended, I can see just a hint of pink where his wound was, but, its not bad. I can't see it at all otherwise.

I'll try to be more patient with Jake and the stunned/prekilled rats. I may stun one, do a tong dance with a fresh killed rat, and then try the leave him alone in the box method. I've read many stories on this site about bps refusing to eat. Jake has always been a reliable eater, and I'm so afraid I'm going to mess that up. But, I really don't want anything to happen to him...so I'll keep trying.

I will go back and pick out Jake's rat next time - I think I'll also ask for a female, those male rats really stink!

Thanks again for your help!

[Brandon.O]

the "method" on switching that worked for me was, waiting until he was really hungry.I waited almost a week and a half and he took a small adult mouse with no hesitation at all ! I dangled it above his head with my hand for about half a second before he snatched it from me, it was soo cool