My retics first F/T rat

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Well, she last ate Jan 26 and shed on I believe Feb 5th or6th and I dangled a f/t rat in front of her and she just got mad. I laid it on top of her hide and she searched for and found it. Finally. She worked on it slowly since she went straight for the head and didn't constrict and crush it, but apparently she didn't have a problem consuming it. Just checked on her and the rat is history.
I am so proud of her. LOL!
Didn't think she'd take a f/t anything, but I am glad she will now. Was always worried about her being bitten...aloha!:)

[dave himself]

Congratulations it's always nice to get them on F/T

[JustMeNmySnakes]

After she had swallowed a live adult mouse, there was no lump, like she hadn't eaten a thing. After the small rat, big lump. I'm wondering if now that she's moved up to a more filling diet if she will start showing more growth?
I guess we will see...
Thanks!

[Snakes&Fish]

Well retics are long slender snakes. You might have to feed it two prey items instead of one.

[Aaron_S]

After she had swallowed a live adult mouse, there was no lump, like she hadn't eaten a thing. After the small rat, big lump. I'm wondering if now that she's moved up to a more filling diet if she will start showing more growth?
I guess we will see...
Thanks!

Probably. Weigh your snake. Feed a prey item about 10 - 15% of said body weight.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

I've got to get a decent digital scale. She weighed 302 grams at her checkup, but it was an old scale with the slide weights. They might be accurate, but I think I'd trust a new digital scale. I'll calibrate it after I find one and start weighing her.
Anyone have a suggestion where to get a reliable scale here in the U.S.?

[JustMeNmySnakes]

I was just thinking how nice it would be when she's big enough if I could feed her California Pocket Gophers. My yard is infested with them. I'm sure they carry diseases that would make my retic sick.. Anyways, just a thought. LOL!

[millertime89]

I just get the cheap digital scale from walmart for less than $20. Similar ones can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond and Target.

[Cmwells90]

I was just thinking how nice it would be when she's big enough if I could feed her California Pocket Gophers. My yard is infested with them. I'm sure they carry diseases that would make my retic sick.. Anyways, just a thought. LOL!

Would killing them and freezing them help? I've heard of using this to kill off parasites they might be carrying.

[JustMeNmySnakes]

Walmart or Target it is.
As for freezing to kill parasites. I'm not sure, but I suppose it's worth investigating a bit more. I wouldn't give them to her unless I was 100% certain there's no risk. Anyways, F/T rats are fine for now.
Thanks for the replies!:D

[JustMeNmySnakes]

She had a small rat 4 nights ago and pooped it out faster and more than when she ate adult mice. I'll assume she's ready for another.
If I'm wrong, let me know...Gonna offer her a F/T small rat as soon as its thawed.