Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
OK, another reason snakes hesitate (& refuse) is that they've gotten hurt in past encounters. That makes the most sense, since you're feeding live, & it sure
complicates your feeding plan, doesn't it? Just because you weren't aware of it doesn't mean your snake hasn't gotten bit (maybe just pinched-didn't draw blood)
when feeding. Some BPs have been known to reject all rodents of the same color or type after such incidents. It's one of many reasons to get them on f/t.

I'd recommend waiting a bit longer for next feed, then offer a live EYES-CLOSED rat pup (or mouse) first as an appetizer, & have ready
on hand a dead rat of proper size (remember you're giving 2 things so make sure size isn't excessive) and try to get him to take the
2nd item immediately after he deals first with the live one. 2 ways to do that: either chain-feed it to him when his mouth is still open,
nose of f/t to tail of one he just dispatched, OR, he might be pumped up enough to just eat it for you...cross your fingers & find out.
This way he learns to eat dead prey & after a few feeds will (hopefully!) just accept them on their own.
Hes always eager to eat, and only shows interest in something that moves. When it’s feeding time, we put him in his feeding box and he postures up immediately knowing what’s coming next. Then the rat is offered via tongs and never leaves my sight. When he strikes and wraps up I will use the tongs to hold any loose claws away from him as well as the head of the rat is still able to bite. I don’t mind feeding him live rats at all if that’s what you mean about complicating feeding plan. This time he did everything exactly the same... postured up, showed interest, just attempted a coil rather than a strike, and rolled off as I pulled the rat away as not to let it hurt him. I’ve heard about BPs being picky about color but he’s eaten anything from all white to all grey/black and everything in between. This was just such strange behavior for a snake who obviously wanted the food.