First time BP feeding.

[PrimalAstaldon]

I know that I've read a bunch on that in the first week of having your new BP to not be surprised if they don't eat. But my little guy would strike and wrap up the mouse. (frozen thawed) He would sit there for a second but then just drop it. He did it twice so I took it as he wasn't hungry. So my question is how long do I wait before trying again? I'm trying to switch him to frozen thawed from live feed. I live in a town where I can't buy live so frozen thawed is the only actual cost efficient way other than me starting to breed mice. But that seems like a bit much just for a single snake and I don't really want to have to take care of mice while waiting till he decides to finally eat. I know that if it comes down to it I will go get him live. But in the long run it would make things easier to switch to frozen thawed. But how long till I should stop trying to switch him to F/T and give him live? The last time he ate it was 3/2 so its been a week already.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

You want to wait a week before each attempt if you offer too soon it will lead to more refusal.

The key is to make sure that your husbandry is optimal for that specific animal, that you do not handle until he starts eating for you, that you offer food in the enclosure, that you walk away when food is offered (any distraction can startle them and make them give up)

If the animal was eating F/T in the past there is no reason why he does not now, based on your description seems to me like he was interrupted if he coiled and let go.

[PrimalAstaldon]

well in the videos I've seen once they wrapped up the people give a little wiggle to make it seem like its struggling so I was doing that when he let go. Should I just not do that next time? and originally he was eating live. So I'm wanting to switch to F/T.

[Kira]

Did you leave the mouse in the enclosure or did you take it out? Sometimes ball pythons are shy eaters and will only eat if no one is in the room. I don't think it's a good idea to touch the mouse at all once he grabbed it- that probably scared him.

[PrimalAstaldon]

I left it in there for a little, but he really didn't seem interested in it. How long should I have left it in there for?

[Zincubus]

well in the videos I've seen once they wrapped up the people give a little wiggle to make it seem like its struggling so I was doing that when he let go. Should I just not do that next time? and originally he was eating live. So I'm wanting to switch to F/T.

Interesting point about giving the mouse a little tug when the snake has hold of it .. In my experience t works great with my Burms / Retics and Boas but the Royals let go of their grip .. maybe just mine of course !

[Zincubus]

As mentioned already .. I'd leave at least a 7 day gap before trying again and if he grabs it - leave it immediately and don't disturb him closing the viv or rub .

Sounds promising though if he's striking thawed mice .. I'd persist .. if he seems at all reluctant it's worth trying the ' hairdryer' method ... PM me if you want more info on it .

[PrimalAstaldon]

definitely will! and thank you very much!

[Kira]

Try to leave the mouse in the closure overnight. I hope it works out for you!

[alxanders]

Having the same issues. She wraps up and then drops it. And so I tried again and she missed. I went to get it out of the enclosure and she struck again, and missed.