Fed the BPs today...harder than I thought

Slithergirl · 05-26-08, 09:01 AM

Okay, so I fed Resner and Embolie for the first time since I got them today. I took them out of their habitat and into their feeding tubs (rubbermaids). I wasn't sure if they would eat since it had only been about a week since I brought them home. The person I got them from said to either kill the rat pups first or hold them with tongs by the tail over the edge of the feeding tub so that the snake could get the face. Well, I was going to kill first, but I didn't have the heart. So I went with plan B. And it was noisey and heart renching for me. (I know I am a weeny, it doesn't have to be said) So I know I have to feed my snakes, but there has to be a better way! Any suggestions? I will be better at this when they arn't feeding on cute baby rats and are on to the big ugly brown sewer lookin rats at superpetz...promise!

**Aaron_S** · 05-26-08, 09:51 AM

You could try switching them over to f/t food. This way all you have to do is thaw out their meal and no noise!

Slithergirl · 05-26-08, 04:56 PM

Do they eat as well on that? I just know BP's can be finicky eaters. And where do you get food like that? Can you just go into the pet store and ask for frozen rats?

**Aaron_S** · 05-27-08, 12:21 AM

Depends on your pet store. Most supply frozen rodents. If not you can order them in bulk online, which becomes cheaper. I know plenty of people who raise their ball pythons on frozen/thawed food. Try it in a week.

Slithergirl · 05-27-08, 08:39 AM

I'll call the local pet stores and pass on the bulk. I don't have a spare freezer and I am not keeping that next to the food I feed my human babies. LOL How long does it take to thaw and do they need to get to room temp or something?

mbraun3 · 05-27-08, 10:01 AM

depends on the size of the rat how long it takes... if you dont want to wait that long you can put it in a ziplock and get as much air out of the bag as you can and run hot hot water and put the bag with rat in the water... but you want to make sure it is COMPLETELY thawed if not your snake will regurgitate it... make sure the rat isnt cold when you touch it... its better if you get it to room temperature...

**Aaron_S** · 05-27-08, 12:03 PM

or you can throw them in a baggie and leave it in the fridge. Just don't use a microwave....trust me on this. ANyways, get to at least room temp. Probably hotter since they use heat as a way to track their food. You got to make this look like they are live rats, so the snakes will switch over.

Slithergirl · 05-28-08, 08:14 AM

So to make it look alive...shake it around with tongs? Or is temp enough?

Slithergirl · 05-28-08, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbraun3

depends on the size of the rat how long it takes... if you dont want to wait that long you can put it in a ziplock and get as much air out of the bag as you can and run hot hot water and put the bag with rat in the water... but you want to make sure it is COMPLETELY thawed if not your snake will regurgitate it... make sure the rat isnt cold when you touch it... its better if you get it to room temperature...

I HAVE TO TOUCH IT!!!!!!

**Aaron_S** · 05-29-08, 10:49 PM

You should. Or possibly a snake isn't the best pet for you.

Temps and wiggling usually work.

mykee · 05-31-08, 11:22 AM

I'm going to say that your purchase of two balls pythons (or one for that matter) was not only poorly planned, but ZERO research went into it. I would recommend you try to find a good home for them and buy yourself a hamster.
Good luck.

**Aaron_S** · 05-31-08, 02:37 PM

It seems that a lot of people that are coming here are hoping to get quick answers to their questions on how to care for their pets. A book or some research online goes a long way and we, as experienced keepers, can only help further understand the material you have read. Please do research prior to owning any pet and make sure you can take care of EVERY bit of it's husbandry (including feeding).

Slithergirl · 06-01-08, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykee

I'm going to say that your purchase of two balls pythons (or one for that matter) was not only poorly planned, but ZERO research went into it. I would recommend you try to find a good home for them and buy yourself a hamster.
Good luck.

One, my previous reply was sort of a sarcastic joke... or don't you get that. Two this is the first and only "care" question I have asked and it is because I have never fed dead food. I used to have snakes, it has just been some years ago. Three I did plenty of research on care and habitat. That's why my ball pythons are in a proper sized enclosure unlike alot of people here. So you keep the hamster, I have been there and done that and I'd rather grow a pair and feed it to the snake!

Slithergirl · 06-01-08, 09:13 AM

And on a less harsh note, no one is looking for quick answers. But I thought these site were about discussing your animals, bragging through pics, and more seasoned pet owners helping, the key word being "helping" less experienced owners. I can look at all the websites, and I can read all the books. But they arn't usually enough. I am a nurse, and the first thing I usually tell my new interns is "forget most of what you learned in school, and prepare to learn how it's really done." First hand knowlege is nothing like the books.

**Aaron_S** · 06-01-08, 08:09 PM

I was making a point that books WITH knowledge of experienced people works better. If we're to help, we need to ask questions. There are variables in each situation.

Secondly, if you had read so much you'd know that, if you are keeping them together, it's bad husbandry practice to keep multiple snakes in the same enclosure.