First feeding success! Now what?

[ckuhn003]

Good news! Tapioca had his first meal! Turns out he's a shy eater and doesn't like the idea of anyone being in the same room. So I left his feeder overnight with the lights off and poof! No more mouse come morning.

Now my question is, how thorough can I be with spot checking now?

I've been trying not to be too invasive and haven't really messed with his cage except for water changes, temp checks and misting. I've done quick glances around for any waste but nothing that involves lifting hides to check if he's done his business in them. No findings so far.

At what point should I start checking if there is poop/pee in his hide or move things around? I'm guessing until he's atleast fully digested his food?

As for future feedings, I know I'm not out of the woods yet and I'll need two more feedings until I can verify he's a happy camper. I do want to convert him to rat soon. How soon do you think I can try? Considering how shy he is? Should I have his next two meals stay on mice just to make sure he's fully adjusted? Or should I try offering rat on his next feeding (or third)?

What a coincidence....wondering if it's where we got our BPs I've had three successful feeds and they've all been the 'walk away' and come back later and the mouse is gone. Although the 1st one, I had to remove the hide just to get to him and I actually saw the ending of the feeding ( a tail sticking out his mouth). The 2nd and 3rd, I woke up the next morning and the mouse was gone. The 3rd feeding was interesting because I walked down and he was sitting by the glass looking at the mouse thawing out. But once it was ready to be eaten, he was already back under his hide. Curious if this is gonna be a normal pattern for him.

As for cleaning, ect..... I've tried not to disturb him as best I could during these last three weeks. I've change the water and I 'think' I found a small poop in the substrate but I couldn't tell you if anything is waiting for me under his main hide. Which leads me to my question...since it sounds like it's time to start the handling process....does it matter if its in the day or night? I ask because I 'only' ever catch glimpses of him at night. During the day, he's hidden away.

Good luck!!!

FYI....I'm debating the switch over to rats as well. I'm also curious how much weight he's gained (if any) after 3 feedings.