Switching Ball Python to f/t mice?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

I got a live mouse and feed it to him, I went ahead and did it a bit early because his behaviour is a bit more calm/active versus his defensive/breathing heavy deal.
He ate the mouse and it looked like he thought it was delicious, I might try feeding him live for a couple weeks then try again to switch to f/t?

See how easy that was?

I would do a couple feedings and begin to switch. If you want to switch to rats, start asking for gross and dirty rat shavings to be placed in the box with the live mouse while you bring it home.

[vypr]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

See how easy that was?

I would do a couple feedings and begin to switch. If you want to switch to rats, start asking for gross and dirty rat shavings to be placed in the box with the live mouse while you bring it home.

Okay, how soon should I switch him to rats?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

Okay, how soon should I switch him to rats?

I begin the process from the very first feeding if possible. Here's my outline to my hatchlings. It's a bit more intensive than others but I find starting on mice they all eat without issue.

First feeding: Live hopper mouse scented with rat shavings
Second feeding: Live hopper mouse scented with rat shavings
Third feeding: Live rat pup
Fourth feeding: Live rat pup
Fifth feeding: F/T rat pup

At third feeding, if they don't take the rat pup I will go with the mouse again for another feeding then try again on the next with the rat.

I judge based on each snake's appetite when to switch to f/t. Some of them switch at third or fourth feeding.

[vypr]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

I begin the process from the very first feeding if possible. Here's my outline to my hatchlings. It's a bit more intensive than others but I find starting on mice they all eat without issue.

First feeding: Live hopper mouse scented with rat shavings
Second feeding: Live hopper mouse scented with rat shavings
Third feeding: Live rat pup
Fourth feeding: Live rat pup
Fifth feeding: F/T rat pup

At third feeding, if they don't take the rat pup I will go with the mouse again for another feeding then try again on the next with the rat.

I judge based on each snake's appetite when to switch to f/t. Some of them switch at third or fourth feeding.

Thanks for this, I'll be getting a mouse with rat shavings ASAP.