Mice or rats?

[trailblazer295]

In the near future I'll be adding an ATB to my collection. I've never seen one much less an adult in person so I have no size reference on their girth. From my reading they are very skinny snakes compared to shortish length. Mine will get a diet of quail, asf and day chicks if an adult gets that big. I want to have a second rodent but I don't know which would be proper. Is adult mice good for an adult atb or should they be eating rats instead? I can get XL mice 30g and ASF thudders 120g if that helps. I don't really have mice as feeders as mine are on rats. I want to have the right feeders in stock before it arrives.

[toddnbecka]

I'd ask the breeder what they recommend, but I'd think even a baby would be large enough to take rat pinks. Might have to scent with quail, but that shouldn't be a problem.

[Doug 351]

If this helps at all...a nearby nature center told me they put all their captive snakes on a rodent diet. What does that tell you?

Actually, most snakes are MORE than capable of eating larger meals than some recommend.

However, IMHO, I think it's better to start small, and let the snake dictate what size it prefers. Be forewarned,though, like any other pet...they can get spoiled.

If and when it becomes obvious they can take larger prey...starve them a bit.

[trailblazer295]

I'm not in direct contact with the breeder. A friend is bringing it in from out west.

I'm not worried about prey size as a baby, I can get baby asfs at 3g and go up from there. I'm more interested in what they need as adults so I take the right path. Don't want to offer mice if rats are better long term and have a snake that doesn't want to switch over. I don't know how easily they eat various prey. Long term a adult mouse vs a nursing rat seems better but again don't know what an adult meal typically is. I know they aren't really big 4-5' and thin. Wanted to start him off on the right path.