Switching Ball Python to f/t mice? - Page 4

vypr · 08-03-14, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Just wait to switch the substrate. Aspen does fine. I used it in my bins for awhile.

I would feed on the 7th day whatever prey item you choose.
Personally, since we've written off the breeder at this point my guess is it's used to eating live and I would do that but you can try f/t before going that route if you wish.

Would it make it easier for him to switch to f/t later?
Maybe feed him live now then switch whenever he feels more comfortable?

Cmwells90 · 08-04-14, 04:20 PM

I've had quite a few BPs and I can say this is something you'll get use to, make sure your cage is set up correctly, which it seems like it is. I covered all sides of my BPs cage with paper towels so they can't see me pass by and they become comfortable with their home, after awhile I'll remove this depending on the snake. If you want to get him moved over the F/T eventually I would say now is as good a time as any. The sooner you start the sooner he'll switch it just takes work. Offer F/T food weekly, if he starts to lose weight, and it's becoming a concern, then I would say provide live, otherwise stay on the F/T, in the long run it's better for him, and you can store more food so you don't have to travel for food as often. I've had a BP go 6 months~ without feeding and he didn't lose any weight, then after winter he ate just fine.

vypr · 08-05-14, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

I've had quite a few BPs and I can say this is something you'll get use to, make sure your cage is set up correctly, which it seems like it is. I covered all sides of my BPs cage with paper towels so they can't see me pass by and they become comfortable with their home, after awhile I'll remove this depending on the snake. If you want to get him moved over the F/T eventually I would say now is as good a time as any. The sooner you start the sooner he'll switch it just takes work. Offer F/T food weekly, if he starts to lose weight, and it's becoming a concern, then I would say provide live, otherwise stay on the F/T, in the long run it's better for him, and you can store more food so you don't have to travel for food as often. I've had a BP go 6 months~ without feeding and he didn't lose any weight, then after winter he ate just fine.

Okay great, he already looks Skinner from when I got him.
I'll probably try f/t two more times then do live.

Also why does he always get in the striking position whenever he sees me? Is this normal behaviour?

Cmwells90 · 08-05-14, 10:21 AM

Cage defense is normal, I hook train my snakes and it makes life a LOT easier. I just tap my boa on the head with the snake hook when I'm ready to take her out, it lets her know she's not being fed she's being handled, and I can see an immediate change in behavior. I think it's a good thing for a snake to be defensive, it's a natural behavior, but once they're on the hook they calm down a lot, usually! Remember, he doesn't know you're friendly, he just knows your big and could hurt him, so he's ready to defend himself if needed. Also, have you been measuring his weight or is the "skinner" look just a sight determination?

vypr · 08-05-14, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

Cage defense is normal, I hook train my snakes and it makes life a LOT easier. I just tap my boa on the head with the snake hook when I'm ready to take her out, it lets her know she's not being fed she's being handled, and I can see an immediate change in behavior. I think it's a good thing for a snake to be defensive, it's a natural behavior, but once they're on the hook they calm down a lot, usually! Remember, he doesn't know you're friendly, he just knows your big and could hurt him, so he's ready to defend himself if needed. Also, have you been measuring his weight or is the "skinner" look just a sight determination?

No, he just looks slimmer. Probably >10% less in thickness of his mid body.

Will they also calm down with age or will he always be defense like he is?
It seems other people's ball pythons are more chill

vypr · 08-05-14, 11:52 PM

I just tried feeding him F/T, it was 7 days after his previous try.
It was unsuccessful again, I tried to feed him at night since they're nocturnal also.

It was dark and he was sticking his head outside of the hide, I dangled the F/T hopper in front of him but he defensive bit the mouse and ran into his hide.
I got him out of his hide just in case and dangling it for another try, he just stared at it.
I put his hide back and left him alone.

I guess I'll try F/T or maybe even live next week, very annoying.

EDIT: I am also leaving the mouse across from his hide overnight.

Cmwells90 · 08-06-14, 08:54 AM

Have you tried to brain the mouse? It'll probably do the trick, I've never had a snake refuse. But the cage defense will settle down as he gets more comfortable with you, BPs are usually very calm snakes.

**Aaron_S** · 08-06-14, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

Have you tried to brain the mouse? It'll probably do the trick, I've never had a snake refuse. But the cage defense will settle down as he gets more comfortable with you, BPs are usually very calm snakes.

Shouldn't need to.

Live hopper mouse usually does the trick for my really young ones.

Cmwells90 · 08-06-14, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Shouldn't need to.

Live hopper mouse usually does the trick for my really young ones.

Live hopper, yes. but if he's trying to switch to F/T shoudln't he stick with the offering of only F/T?

**Aaron_S** · 08-06-14, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmwells90

Live hopper, yes. but if he's trying to switch to F/T shoudln't he stick with the offering of only F/T?

That's a valid point.

I believe this ball python to be much younger than originally believed and I would want to get some food in it's belly. Switching young ball pythons usually isn't a hassle.

It's up to vypr to go with what they think is best as we aren't able to see the situation firsthand.

I appreciate your differing opinions so members can see two different ways to approach things.

Cmwells90 · 08-06-14, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

That's a valid point.

I believe this ball python to be much younger than originally believed and I would want to get some food in it's belly. Switching young ball pythons usually isn't a hassle.

I was thinking the exact same thing, and had the same worry. It may be young and hasn't had much of a first meal, the breeder obviously sold them in a hurry!

vypr · 08-06-14, 09:12 PM

I guess I'll just buy live next week, thanks for the suggestions.
I'll just hope he eats f/t later

Cmwells90 · 08-07-14, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

I guess I'll just buy live next week, thanks for the suggestions.
I'll just hope he eats f/t later

I'm sure it's something he'll switch to later, it usually isn't too difficult.

vypr · 08-07-14, 12:17 PM

Random question, but whenever I feed him live should I let the mouse roam until my snake finds him (while monitoring) or should I intervene?

**Aaron_S** · 08-08-14, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vypr

Random question, but whenever I feed him live should I let the mouse roam until my snake finds him (while monitoring) or should I intervene?

Just drop the mouse in. Maybe remove the snakes hide to ensure it's awake (depending on the time of day you feed at).

That's all. The snake will do the rest.