strange behavior?

[smy_749]

Originally Posted by MoreliAddict

Yes there is.

It's common for a captive snake to form a preference for one or the other. Many times once a snake has a set preference, they will refuse all other types of prey. Now consider that some snakes get so big that they NEED to be fed rats unless their owner is willing to feed them 15+ mice every week. IMO it's best to stick strictly to rats for larger snakes, last thing you want is a big snake that's hooked onto mice. It commonly happens with Carpet Pythons, and it happened to my Ball Python (it will only eat mice).

Is that harmful, or inconvenient for you? I wasn't only referring to rats vs mice, but some people like to feed the occasional rabbit to have an animal put on weight, or a quail or whatever. I don't see how its harmful per se...

[bcr229]

Originally Posted by smy_749

Is that harmful, or inconvenient for you? I wasn't only referring to rats vs mice, but some people like to feed the occasional rabbit to have an animal put on weight, or a quail or whatever. I don't see how its harmful per se...

I wouldn't flip a ball python to mice if it's taking rats as the last thing I need is a 2000gr female mouser who will gobble down mice like they're popcorn chicken.

OTOH if the snake can take rabbits then you're feeding something that's most likely much less picky, like a burm, retic, or boa. I've noticed the same with my milk and king snakes, they're little garbage disposals.

[smy_749]

Originally Posted by bcr229

I wouldn't flip a ball python to mice if it's taking rats as the last thing I need is a 2000gr female mouser who will gobble down mice like they're popcorn chicken.

OTOH if the snake can take rabbits then you're feeding something that's most likely much less picky, like a burm, retic, or boa. I've noticed the same with my milk and king snakes, they're little garbage disposals.

Good points. I don't keep balls so I can't relate on that front. Idk what type of snake the OP has either.

[bcr229]

Originally Posted by smy_749

Good points. I don't keep balls so I can't relate on that front. Idk what type of snake the OP has either.

After searching his other threads, coastal carpet, feeding on live rats. I would work on converting it over to f/t and order bulk feeders online if there isn't a good source of local feeders available.

[jake00181]

Originally Posted by bcr229

After searching his other threads, coastal carpet, feeding on live rats. I would work on converting it over to f/t and order bulk feeders online if there isn't a good source of local feeders available.

yeah I normally try to feed it rats but it will take both with no hesitation. It won't do f/t so i just pre-kill the rats now in the room and he takes them just fine. they die quick so it's not cruelty.

[Roman]

Mice have a stronger odour than rats, so if your snake is more used to eating rats this might let her hesitate for a few seconds before taking the mouse.

Roman