Will snakes go on "hunger strike" even if underweight?

[ballpythonsrock2]

90% of the Royals I’ve had over the years would run for the hills whenever I dangled Mouse/ Rat in front of them when they were out and about .

I thaw the frozen rodents naturally in the snake room to get the scent circulating.. I don’t like the idea of thawing in water as it must wash away some of the vital rodent smell ..

Try feeding , evenings in dim/low lighting. ... wait until the snake is well settled under a hide then warm as you normally do .. have the viv /rub open and ready then dangle in front of the hide entrance INSTANTLY whilst it’s still warm ( the last bit is vital ).... if no luck just keep repeating and repeating ..


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I totally agree with everything you said. Doing what you've said eliminates a lot of refusals for Royals. We both know it doesn't always work 100% of the time but it works this way the vast majority of the time. I totally agree about trying to feed once they are out and about. Best to feed before they come out or wait until they've went back in their hides.

I have been putting my f/t to thaw on the above trap door where the snake can see or smell it, but I think I will stop doing that because it draws it out and up to where the feeder is and gets it's nose right up there. I think I will next time do it out of sight or in the room like you've stated that way it is less likely to draw her out of the hide and towards the feeder. And I will try and time the 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours to be just about it's rise and shine time. That way it will be like (for us) smelling a crock pot that has been cooking all night. Nothing like a good rat/mouse breakfast/dinner served breakfast in bed style in the mind of a BP.