Quote:
Originally Posted by MoreliAddict
When feeding f/t:
Serve the rat HOT and wet right out of really hot water. Not boiling or scorching, but really hot. And you know your snake just took some water in with his meal which is good. - That's just what works best for me.
Also, you should contact the breeder and find out if it was mouse hoppers or rat hoppers...
Lastly, some snakes take a while to get used to a new "home" before they're comfortable enough to eat. Try not to stress, he'll eat eventually.
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I use this method and seem to get a better feed response as well as feeding at night since they're nocturnal animals. In my experience, the hotter the prey, the quicker they are to 'find' it and strike. You don't want it scorching but really hot. Some of my animals will only take it hot out of the water. I typically thaw their food to room temp, then put the rats in a container I specifically use for heating their food that's filled with hot water for a couple of minutes, and then feed.
I agree with finding out what he was eating prior to your purchase. If he was on mice, personally I'd continue with them until you have your animal consistently eating, then try offering rats as they're a much better food source for your retic. Also, double check with the breeder if he was feeding live, pre-killed, or f/t
Also, as been stated, some animals take time getting acclimated to their new home and as much as you want to handle him, I wouldn't until he ate. Getting him out for a quick cage cleaning is fine, but no more than that.
In all, get his husbandry requirements dead on, keep his stress level low and offer a food he's used to eating and at a nice hot temp if he's been eating f/t and soon you'll have a voracious eater pounding down food everytime he's fed.