How long to wait after a miss??

[bjthomps]

OK, so I have had 1 of our BPs refuse to eat before, and we simply wait another week and try again.

But, how long do you usually wait to try again if the poor guy tries to eat and misses? It wasn't just a stress strike mind you....I put a small rat in with our male Rajiv...and within 45 seconds he went for it. He grabbed it and started to coil (good boy!), the rat was squeaking and squirming....and I am not sure if Rajiv didn't have a good hold with his mouth...or if he wasn't coiling quite right...or if maybe the rat bit/scratched him....but after a few seconds the rat broke free and ran off. After that, Rajiv went into his hide and wanted nothing more to do with it.

So, I know he was hungry...but I am sure "missing" his strike and coil probably stressed him...so how long do you guys usually wait to try again after a "missed" (not refused) meal?

Thanks!

Brian

[JLC]

I'd take the rat out. (Better be careful, it's more than a little freaked out now!) Once the snake shows no interest, I'd rather get the rat out of there. It won't hurt the snake to wait another week.

[Kilo]

IMO I would say another week.

[mmchoppers]

After that, Rajiv went into his hide and wanted nothing more to do with it.

his pride was shaken......poor boy

[TekWarren]

You may consider pre-killing the prey. This is what I usually do, if your snake won't take it by simply laying it in the enclosure you can use a pair of tongs and do some teasing. I guarantee you there won't be any rodents "getting away" with this method

[bjthomps]

Oh, I took the rat out as soon as rajiv lost interest. And he has never had a problem snatching up a live rat in the past...guess he just had a bad night.

I appreciate all the responses...I guess we will wait another week...I just feel so bad knowing he was hungry and missed out. Better safe than sorry though I guess....don't want to stress the little guy out!

Thanks.

BT