All Reptile Shops in Area Out of Live Rats, Snake Won't Eat Frozen, Help!

[Bogertophis]

How old (what size?) is your snake?

Have you tried mice? or chicks? Most BPs like those too, enough to tide you over. While I don't recommend feeding any live prey (both for the safety of the snake & also humane treatment for "feeder" animals) I realize some snakes are hard to switch. But it's exactly for supply chain issues that switching all snakes to pre-killed (either fresh or f/t) is the best idea- & something I hope you'll work on.

It's up to you, but if you at least provide what area you're in, someone here may also know of a local supplier & might even be able to help you out- it's a slim chance, sure, but you never know. (I'm one that raises my own rodents, but I no longer do any kinds except mice. )

I'd also suggest that you remain calm- it's unlikely your snake is truly starving- & remember that in the wild, they do not eat as regularly as they do in captivity- at least not without enormously good luck. Snakes often fast, either by choice or by necessity. Do make sure his hydration is good though.

Another thought- & also a way to get your snake switched over to f/t- try offering him a live hopper mouse, which is not enough on it's own- & then see if he's pumped up enough to take a f/t rat right immediately after he eats the mouse. There are multiple techniques for doing this- one is "chain feeding" the nose of the f/t rat right into the snake's open mouth, JUST as he's almost done swallowing the first item- you'll need to be slow & sneaky about this, otherwise your snake will close his mouth & coil his neck so you cannot do this. You'll NEED to use tongs & a steady hand. But this can work if you're not so obvious or pushy. (be a "ninja"- present but not noticeable)

As far as "multiple techniques"- your snake might even be willing (without all the subterfuge) to accept the f/t rat- IF it's thawed properly AND properly warmed to simulate a live rat. I suspect that when you tried previously to get him to accept a f/t rat, maybe your technique might have room for improvement? If you elaborate, maybe we can help you figure out where you went wrong. How did you thaw the rat? How did you warm it before offering? Time of day? What was your snake doing when you offered prey?

Remember IF you offer any kind of live "appetizer" that the sum of the appetizer plus the rat you're trying to feed must NOT be too big of a meal. And any time you feed 2 items, they should be back to back so your snake can digest them well (& not barf them up for lack of digestive enzymes, as can happen if too much time elapses).