Feeding Questions

Abby · 10-09-12, 05:15 PM

When I picked up my ball python, I was told that he was being fed two small mice on Wednesdays. How exactly should I approach this? Should I place both mice in at the same time? Or should I place one in, let him eat, and then the other right after?

I'm also not sure if I trust the place I bought him from anymore. I don't know his exact hatch date but the worker estimated he was between 3-4 months old. Is feeding him like they have been correct and OK to do?

Any other help regarding feeding would be great. I'm very new to all of this.

Lankyrob · 10-09-12, 05:17 PM

I would get it to eat rats as soon as possible, i have never fed more than one preyitem at a feed so not sure how people go about it.

rmfsnakes32 · 10-09-12, 05:29 PM

You can feed them back to back but rats are better than you only have to feed one item

shaunyboy · 10-09-12, 05:33 PM

when upping a prey size,i usually feed 2 of their current prey for 4 feeds,if they take both prey items everytime,i deem them ready to go up a prey size

when feeding 2 prey items,you offer the first prey item,wait until its eaten that,then offer the 2nd prey item

re changing over to rats
i would feed it whatever its previous keeper fed it,just until it's eating regular for you (3 or 4 feeds),then once you have established its eating,i would then change it over onto rats,as i have found the older the snake gets,the harder it can be to cross them over,from mice to rats,and it takes an awfull lot of jumbo mice to feed an adult python

cheers shaun

Abby · 10-10-12, 01:12 AM

So I'm having difficulties. I'm at a loss at what to do.
He would sort of chase the snake into a corner, and then eventually try to attack, and when he failed and the mouse got away, he'd be so confused and it would take him another ten-fifteen minutes to find the mouse again. He must have gotten frustrated because he went back into his hide. So the mouse is sleeping peacefully in the corner. I tried to be helpful and took out the hide and water dish so there are less obstacles, but he just has no interest right now...
What to do?

Lankyrob · 10-10-12, 07:41 AM

Whatever you do DONT LEAVE THE MOUSE IN THE VIV UNATTENDED!!! I have only ever fed frozen/thawed prey so will let others help you

Gungirl · 10-10-12, 07:43 AM

Was he being fed live before you got him? Maybe offer f/t or pre killed and see if he does better with that.

SnakeyJay · 10-10-12, 09:01 AM

Take that live mouse out of there for starters!! Never leave it in there if he's not interested in eating or you'll end up with a dead snake...

Get him on frozen thawed rats as soon as possible for the good of your snake unless your happy to pay vet bills when the mouse bites him back.. Can I ask why you chose to feed live prey?

Abby · 10-10-12, 09:08 AM

I just re read my post. I meant the snake chased the mouse, not the other way around. I chose to feed live because the worker at the store where I bought him said that's what they had been feeding him and that he wouldn't accept frozen.

He did end up eating each mouse successfully and no harm was done to the snake. Thanks for letting me know about not leaving the mouse in there.

Kettennatter · 10-10-12, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Abby

I just re read my post. I meant the snake chased the mouse, not the other way around. I chose to feed live because the worker at the store where I bought him said that's what they had been feeding him and that he wouldn't accept frozen.

He did end up eating each mouse successfully and no harm was done to the snake. Thanks for letting me know about not leaving the mouse in there.

Most stores will feed live because it is easier and often faster to feed. The movement of the prey and the body heat will stimulate the feeding response more easily. That being said, it may not be the best option for the snake. I would not base my decision on whether to feed f/t or not on what was done at the pet store.

StudentoReptile · 10-10-12, 10:10 AM

Healthy snakes set-up in a proper habitat should have no problems dealing with live prey.

It's simply a matter of preference on the keeper's part whether you go with live, pre-killed or F/T.

SnakeyJay · 10-10-12, 10:16 AM

I'd still switch him over to frozen thawed... The shop probably never tried very hard to switch him.

SnakeyJay · 10-10-12, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StudentoReptile

Healthy snakes set-up in a proper habitat should have no problems dealing with live prey.

It's simply a matter of preference on the keeper's part whether you go with live, pre-killed or F/T.

So your saying there's not a risk of the snake getting injured then?! Unless its a problem feeder there's nothing to be gained from live feeding but there is a lot to be lost.

Snakefood · 10-10-12, 10:18 AM

every snake that I have gotten that was eating live I have successfully switched to F/T with very little troubles. the pro's to this are: the prey cant fight back, you can leave the prey in the viv till the snake is ready to eat, it is cheaper to buy frozen than live, and you can stock up when you find a good deal instead of trippin out to the pet store once/week for live food.

sorry, cant give you any pro's to feeding live..........

Abby · 10-10-12, 10:43 AM

I am going to try switching to frozen, then. Thanks for your advice everyone!