First time rat

[Roan]

So here goes the first attempt with feeding Nyx a rat. I'm live feeding this time because I couldn't find a place locally that has frozen rats and I'm not sure he'll take it anyways. If all goes as planned, and he takes the rat, then the next one will be frozen to see if he'll take that. Have the same Kodak disposable handy with a few shots. If I finish this camera then I'll get the film developed next week and post pics of the first feed, a few I took of Nyx lounging, and pics of this feed if it works out.

[Nicky]

I'd be careful if your feeding live because rats can inflict some serious damage I have a pic of a dead ball python who got chewed up pretty badly by a rat which i can send u for proof, and once you feed live rats it might only make it harder to switch to frozen thawed rats.. just something to think about befor you go through with it. If you do feed live make sure you watch the rat really closely just incase soemthing happens. either way good luck
Kayla

[Roan]

As I suspected, the rat was too large. He went for it, and began constricting, but for lack of better expression, seemed to give up and become dissinterested. I watched to make sure the rat didn't dig its claws in or bite my BP, and it didn't. I was very surprised to see Nyx just quit, unravel himself, and begin re-exploring the feed tank. I'll be back to the pet store to pick up mice, a couple larger mice I guess. I suppose it was good knews that he didn't completely reject the rat, but I am a little dissapointed that he didn't make a meal of it. No worries though, back at it tomorrow.

[m1k3_88]

He might have killed the rat out of fear, goodluck qith his further feedings. Mike

[Auskan]

I wouldn't go back to mice if I was you. Once you do that, it will be harder than ever to convince him to eat rats.

[Roan]

I ended up going back and getting mice. The closest I could come to getting the size of the smallest rats they had were two different sized mice. I live fed one mouse after thumping it. The second mouse was f/k. No problem getting him to take the first one, and he started on the second one but after starting to get around the head he stopped, wrapped part of himself around the mouse, and let go of it. I think for now it just might be too much food, but I thought after the shed he might want to step up to a little more. I haven't found any rats that were small enough here yet, but one of the local pet stores said they are going to carry frozen mice and rats again very soon. I think I'm stuck until they get the frozen rodents in, which means next week I will wait and see whether they have smaller frozen rats in to try that instead of mice. Maybe after another feed or two and shed cycle we'll be through this "in-between" stage.