I could use some feeding advice!

[Kristi23]

My daughter's ball python has been eating large mice. We decided to switch to small rats because he's finally getting a bit bigger. We've tried twice and he almost seems afraid of them and won't even strike. How can I get him to switch? Should I try rubbing a mouse on the rat first? He's not a snake to refuse a meal.

Thanks,
Kristi

 

[spykerherps]

Are you feeding F/T?
I would try taking the rat and rubbing used mouse bedding on it if you have access to it. Is the new meal equal in size to his old mouse meal? try feeding some smaller rat meals a couple times. An item that is the same size or even a little smaller then what he is used to with the mice he was eating. if you get him to eat those 2 or 3 times you can move up in size.

 

[thegeckoguy23]

Are you feeding F/T?
I would try taking the rat and rubbing used mouse bedding on it if you have access to it. Is the new meal equal in size to his old mouse meal? try feeding some smaller rat meals a couple times. An item that is the same size or even a little smaller then what he is used to with the mice he was eating. if you get him to eat those 2 or 3 times you can move up in size.

+1 or you can get him exsited by showing him the mouse and stuff and hes into feeding then throw the rat in and don't let him get the mouse :main_thumbsup:

 

[Barbel]

We've always kept our frozen rats and mice in the same bag together in the freezer and we've never had a problem switching them over. You can also feed him a smaller mouse followed by a smaller rat. It may take some time to switch him over, but once he takes that first rat, don't look back! Good luck!

 

[Kristi23]

Thanks everyone! We're feeding f/t and the rats are bigger. I'll pick up some smaller ones this week and try all these tips. Madison and I both appreciate the help.

 

[spykerherps]

You're Welcome! & Good Luck:main_thumbsup:

 

[RichsBallPythons]

Yes when ever switching to new prey items always start small to keep their confidence up and offer live or pre killed. Gets the best response out of them and switch easier. I usually start my snakes on rats when their able to eat rat pups and either offer live or pk for 3 meals then go directly to f.t