Picky ball python question

[gusanr14]

Hello, how was your weekend

Yes, I am here again to ask question. I just had some questions about ball python being picky.
Some of you will know, my male banana. He was eating live mouse before I got him. First two feeding with me, he ate live mice. Then, I gave small rat pups, more like fuzzy, and had to leave it overnight because he wasn't interested when offered. He did this for 2 feedings. Then, for some reason, he refused rat, which is live. I couldn't do it this way, because I end up having to let rat die on its own. So, I decided to switch to f/t mouse since he seems to like mouse then switch over to f/t rat so I don't have to let any prey die. But, didn't work. Husbandry is perfect, cool 78-80, hot 88-90, humidity 60-70.

Anyways, my point isn't about how to get him eating again. I was wondering about these picky ball pythons not wanting to eat certain prey. He regurgitated so he hasn't ate for 3 weeks, and I tried switching to smaller f/t rat, hoping he'd be hungry. Nope he is not interested. I have one more bp, who eats fine and switched to f/t right away. I am doubting that f/t are not well thawed. I make sure I thaw it, tried different solution. I know we can never know what they are thinking but, do you guys think that they are not recognizing it as a prey item? or is it just because they are not used to the switched prey? or do they simply don't want to be switched and just want to eat what they were eating? I don't know how he can react so differently to different food items. He avoids the prey, and is scared unless it is live mouse. Soo frustrating that I can't talk to him lol.

[Craiga 01453]

My advice is to find what he WILL eat and stick to it. At least for a while.
Due to the regurge, you're going to need to start a bit smaller for now as far as prey size is concerned.

Switching from live to frozen and mice to rats and back and forth and this and that is all too confusing. If you're confusing me and stressing me out, I can imagine that your simple minded snake must be stressed out by it too. (You're not really stressing me out, was just trying to make a point, hahaha)

For now, keep it simple. Feed whatever the snake WILL eat and STICK TO IT. Worry about transitioning once the snake is eating consistently.

[Zincubus]

Are you feeding in the evening , ideally dim lighting?

Have you tried warming the mouse with a hairdryer and offering INSTANTLY !?


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[Lord Sorril]

I couldn't do it this way, because I end up having to let rat die on its own.

Please respect the lives of the rodents you feed as well.

[gusanr14]

Please respect the lives of the rodents you feed as well.

Uhh yes, that is why I am trying to switch. If it was adult or weaned, I would have fed and kept it live till next feeding but little ones are not easy.


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[gusanr14]

Are you feeding in the evening , ideally dim lighting?

Have you tried warming the mouse with a hairdryer and offering INSTANTLY !?


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Yeap everything. He just turns his head against rat when offered. Smells it at first then he is like, nah not the food I want


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