First frozen/thawed feed SUCCESS!!

[TurboSE]

I have had my Ball for about 4 years. I have fed her live rats(recently)/mice(when she was young). I tried to switch her to frozen/thawed once before, about 2 years ago. She would have nothing of it, so I returned to feeding live.

After a "close-call" at her last feeding (no harm to her thankfully), I became determined to switch her for her safety, and my piece of mind.

Well, today I tried. I fed one live mouse, followed by a f/t mouse which she snatched up instantly. Then another f/t which she "missed" a couple times (I've always heard about Ball's poor aim, but had never seen it until today) before gulping it down.

Now, following this success...whats next?

At her next feeding, do I just go straight with a f/t rat, or do I need to use the "bait & switch" again?

Any help would be appreciated, I feel really good that I got this accomplished.

PS-Never having any "feeding errors", I never realized what a rush it would be watching her lung at my hand (tongs)...or how much faster they seem when they're aimed at you.

[fizox]

Thats amazing, you are a couple of steps ahead of me. I started a thread in the general pyhon forum in hope of getting some help with the same thing. Aside from what you have mentioned you have already done I would also like some advice on how to make the switch.

[TurboSE]

Thats amazing, you are a couple of steps ahead of me. I started a thread in the general pyhon forum in hope of getting some help with the same thing. Aside from what you have mentioned you have already done I would also like some advice on how to make the switch.


Honestly, thats pretty much it...one thing I didn't mention, is that my Ball has no preference in the color of it's prey...white, grey, spotted...didn't matter, but, all the f/t mice and rats at my local store are pure white. For the fast few months (when feeding live) I only fed her all-white rats. Dunno if it matters, but, thats about the only thing I didn't mention. Good luck, and if you have any specific questions, feel free to Pm or email me (paprobese@yahoo.com)

[hbwright]

Good job with the switch. I'd probably go ahead and just offer him another f/t and see how he does with it since he took these without problem. Now that you know he'll take them I'd be persistant.

Fizox--PM me and I'll get you in touch with somebody who can help you switch. She's helped many who have tried everything and has helped them be successfull.

[TurboSE]

It was a "she" that helped me as well, prolly the same one (since it was from this forum)...if so, she has great advice.

[hbwright]

The one I'm talking about no longer frequents this forum because of the f/t vs. live feeding debates that have been on here. She is extremely passionate about feeding f/t and has helped many with the switch. I'm so glad you'rs has switched for you. Balls can be picky eaters but will eat f/t if the owner is persistant. I'm so happy for you.

[TurboSE]

Even though she doesn't frequent here, could u email her a link to this thread in case she has other pointers...if not, I understand

[fizox]

Add me to the club! The last 2 feedings with my bp he has taken f/t mice with a little puppet show involving tongs and some great acting on the dead mouse's part (haha). Feeding live was kinda cool but better to be safe than sorry. Thx for all the help guys!!

[TurboSE]

Add me to the club! The last 2 feedings with my bp he has taken f/t mice with a little puppet show involving tongs and some great acting on the dead mouse's part (haha). Feeding live was kinda cool but better to be safe than sorry. Thx for all the help guys!!

Congrats!!! I know all about the "puppet show" lol...and I totally understand the coolness vs. saftey thing... Great job!

[Bluzmn59]

OK, I have a confession. I always use the "puppet show" to feed all of my snakes because I like to see them strike and coil. It is really cool to see them in "action," but I would not even consider feeding live.

[hbwright]

Nothing wrong with liking to see your snakes have a little fun with their food. I used to have to make the rat dance about 4-5 times before mine would even look at it. Now I use the top of my feeding tote to shield myself from her amazing response strike.

If anybody has any problems with the switch they are more then welcome to e-mail me or pm me and I'll make sure they have all the support they need. I get excited with every snake that switches.

[TurboSE]

Update: I just wanted to give a little update, my baby took her second F/T feeding (rat) like a champ, i dangled it less than 30 seconds and she was all over it...

[TurboSE]

and her 3rd, didn't want you to think she was malnourished

[an1matr0n1k]

i fed my baby ball live the first time i fed her. that was before i learned of the dangers(that was last week hahaha). i thought it was so cool to watch her "hunt". i'm a discovery channel junkie so "the hunt" was a big deal. as was "the strike" and "the kill". but this week i fed with a pre-killed mouse with no problems at all. she just looked at it for a few seconds and began to swallow it. thats it. no puppet show or scenting. i guess if you start them young the switch is less of a problem.

[kronic2005]

Well i cant keep track of whos feeding rats or mice in here cause well, just cause i cant. But, whoevers feeding mice, i would high recommend u switch over to rats, since later on in your ball pythons years, your going to have to spend so much time feeding your snake. Switching them from mice to rats can be as easy as asking your feeder supplier to give you rats instead of mice. Or it can be very hard, but you have to be persistant and not give up. This is just my opinion. Im sure most of you dont want to get stuck feeding a 5 foot BP 4 large mice every meal. Im sure ur snake doesnt like it much either. Again, just my opinion. Good luck guys. Happy herping