Quote Originally Posted by Bogertophis View Post
Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but how many times have you offered her food in the month you've had her? Have you handled her at all?
Snakes get too stressed to eat when we keep offering them food (with or without handling): if they refuse a meal, do NOT offer again for at least a week.

For best results, it's recommended to do no handling until a snake has fed 3 times at normal intervals. And it's also best NOT to offer any food for the first week or 2
while they are settling in. It seems possible to me that your initial failure (to get her to take f/t mouse) was because she still had NOT "settled in" yet.

She was then hungry enough to chance the rat you offered, but she still has a preference* for mice. (*feels more comfortable pouncing on) So now she's confused,
and if you've offered repeatedly (& too soon), it's only adding to her stress.

For best results, you always want to be offering what a new snake has successfully fed on before, and only after giving them time to settle in. Sure, some snakes will
eat right away...and some of us with years of experience may short-cut these "rules" because we can deal with whatever happens, but when you're new & your snake
is new, it's best to follow guidelines.

I know how badly you want her to eat & thrive & be a great pet for you, but you'll need to be patient...snakes are living creatures that can easily stress & frustrate you.
I waited a full week before initially offering her food. And when she refuses a wait a few days before trying again. She ate about a week and a half ago but that was the only time for me. I’ve only handled her a handful of times, and that was only to take her out for cage maintainence. She’s very settled and not stressed, I know stress isn’t why she’s refusing food. I may try a mouse again next time.