Decided to try F/T...help????

**Pareeeee** · 09-26-12, 10:41 AM

So, as I mentioned in the P. regius forum, I am going to attempt to switch my snakes from live to f/t (the mouse breeding thing is just not working for me, as some people predicted...heh...)

Anyway, I have a problem with Boaz, my Rosy Boa. He has always baulked at f/t mice.

When I first got him last October, the pet store told me he was on f/t mice. I'm not sure if they were telling me the truth or not since he would NOT take f/t from me. I tried the mouse zombie dance, mouse left on a plate, on the heat mat (bad idea), in a dark tub, in a pillowcase, brained, scented with broth...nothing worked, then he decided to go into brumation.

After 6 months he came out, but did not want to have anything to do with f/t. He took live fine, so I kinda gave in, and that's what he's been on ever since.

The thing is, I want to get him on f/t. I tried a fresh-killed mouse today (offered immediately after killing the mouse, still warm and strong scent), and he would have nothing to do with it, shying away at first, then he became rather ticked off, coiling into the "S" and trying to 'scare' it away with false strikes.

What can I do to encourage him? He is like a garbage can with anything live - actually, some of you may have seen the pics of him eating the stillborn pinkies! So why won't he eat a freshly killed adult mouse?

rmfsnakes32 · 09-26-12, 11:26 AM

My snakes are that way they love the hunt of live is my opinion I prefer feeding luve and so do my snakes I had zero luck switching to f/t

Wildside · 09-26-12, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmfsnakes32

My snakes are that way they love the hunt of live is my opinion I prefer feeding luve and so do my snakes I had zero luck switching to f/t

I used to think this way too. Best way to get them to switch is to be persistent. Starve them out a little if you have to.

Terranaut · 09-26-12, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildside

I used to think this way too. Best way to get them to switch is to be persistent. Starve them out a little if you have to.

I agree. Just do it and keep trying. Never give in unless your snake is dangerously losing weight. Remember a snake can go a long time without food.

Valvaren · 09-26-12, 12:20 PM

I think snakes just enjoy food, some just have to get used to food still being food when its not moving and acting alive.

directed at RMF

shaunyboy · 09-26-12, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildside

I used to think this way too. Best way to get them to switch is to be persistent. Starve them out a little if you have to.

^^^^^
this

cheers shaun

Ivanator · 09-27-12, 07:51 PM

Just keep trying every few days. It'll eventually become hungry enough and take it. Unless you start noticing weight loss, you shouldn't be worried if he doesn't take it for a while.

Wildside · 09-27-12, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ivanator

Just keep trying every few days. It'll eventually become hungry enough and take it. Unless you start noticing weight loss, you shouldn't be worried if he doesn't take it for a while.

I wouldn't try every few days. I'd try once a week.

alessia55 · 09-27-12, 08:03 PM

Kaybe refused for 5.5mos before he finally switched over to f/t rats. He used to be on live mice. Now he eats large f/t rats for me like a champ.

rmfsnakes32 · 09-27-12, 09:12 PM

I have credits left at my rat breeders once I use those up we will give the f/t a go again

**Pareeeee** · 09-28-12, 07:37 AM

Welllll...... it looks like he's decided to go into brumation. I could be mistaken, but it's the only time I've seen him start sleeping on the cold side of his tank, which is what he's been doing the last couple days...the f/t feedings may have to be put off till spring...