Husbandry help

[ReptiMoto]

I know that when a ball python refuses food many people relate it to husbandry issues. But that isn't always the case. Are you feeding live, F/t, or pre-killed?

[chrid16371]

I know that when a ball python refuses food many people relate it to husbandry issues. But that isn't always the case. Are you feeding live, F/t, or pre-killed?

Currently frozen bc that's all he's ever ate for me. I've tried all though. Have tried in a separate container even. I may try smaller prey the next feeding which is Friday. At first I was trying every 5 days and I've moved it to every 7 days. The rat is always heated well. I use my temp gun and make sure the temp is around 100-110

[ReptiMoto]

Does he take live mice?

[piedpipper]

Does he take live mice?

DO NOT feed him live mice! A lot of ball pythons especially picky ones may develop a liking to them and it will be very difficult to get him back on rats if not impossible.

I would only suggest this if you are at the point when you actually NEED to get him eating and there is no other option.

[Scottywelsh]

Personally would never use live !
May not be for everyone but I would assist feed f/t or pre killed until they start taking on there own and that would be a last resort when they have lost to much weight

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Personally would never use live !
May not be for everyone but I would assist feed f/t or pre killed until they start taking on there own and that would be a last resort when they have lost to much weight

You don't assist an animal unless you have tried every other options and live is one of them so are mice. The are a lot of things that can be done before assist feeding which is a huge step backward.

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[Scottywelsh]

You don't assist an animal unless you have tried every other options and live is one of them so are mice. The are a lot of things that can be done before assist feeding which is a huge step backward.

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As I said in my reply " That would be a last resort when they have lost to much weight""
I would do every thing ells which includes trying mice but not live feed.
Assist feeding may be a big step back but so is live feeding.

[Eric Alan]

Assist feeding may be a big step back but so is live feeding.

Your opinion involving feeding live prey, which they have evolved over thousands of years to do quite efficiently, is just that - your opinion. A ball python that feeds on its own is NEVER a step back when compared to one that will not.

[Scottywelsh]

It is my opinion yes. I never said it was a fact or anything more than my opinion. As for "Never a step back". If you feed f/t then have to feed live and work your way to f/t again then yes that would make live feeding a step back.

But if you don't think it is and an assist feed makes the royal feed on its own then that is also not a step back

[Eric Alan]

It is my opinion yes. I never said it was a fact or anything more than my opinion. As for "Never a step back". If you feed f/t then have to feed live and work your way to f/t again then yes that would make live feeding a step back.

For those that prefer to feed f/t, then yes, feeding live could be considered a step back. Please re-read what I wrote again, though. I said it was not a step back from assist feeding. I will never agree with anyone who feels otherwise.

But if you don't think it is and an assist feed makes the royal feed on its own then that is also not a step back

If all other options have been exhausted, then yes, there is a place for assist feeding. Until then...