Switching Ball Python to f/t mice?

[vypr]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

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.

I figured, just wanted to make his feeding as delicious as possible. Lol

What time would be the best to feed? Night? I'm awake all the time

[Cmwells90]

They are nocturnal, so night may be best.

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

I figured, just wanted to make his feeding as delicious as possible. Lol

What time would be the best to feed? Night? I'm awake all the time

Usually that's when they are out and about hunting. You can try it then.

Also, get a mouse that's got it's eyes open and is active. The activity will entice the snake.

[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?

[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.

[vypr]

So I talked to a snake breeder that I was referred to by a relative...
He told me some conflicting things, just wanted to see what you guys think.

He said:
* To switch to rats feed him a rat that is scented with mice (not the other way)
* Increase the humidity to 70-80% versus my current 50-60%
* Don't try to switch to F/T until ~4 months from now
* You have to have him in a plastic shoebox -- Nothing else works.
* I am using a IR bulb for the cool side (making it 80f) and he said that's bad never use bulbs.
* He said he should eat every 5 days until he is an adult, not every week.

Just wanted to see your opinions.

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

So I talked to a snake breeder that I was referred to by a relative...
He told me some conflicting things, just wanted to see what you guys think.

He said:
* To switch to rats feed him a rat that is scented with mice (not the other way)
* Increase the humidity to 70-80% versus my current 50-60%
* Don't try to switch to F/T until ~4 months from now
* You have to have him in a plastic shoebox -- Nothing else works.
* I am using a IR bulb for the cool side (making it 80f) and he said that's bad never use bulbs.
* He said he should eat every 5 days until he is an adult, not every week.

Just wanted to see your opinions.

You can switch to rats that way too. I've used that step if I think the snake might be difficult. Use what you feel is comfortable for you.

Humidity is fine at 60%. Increase it at shedding time.

I use tubs. Work amazingly well. I have seen other types of enclosures work. Some take more effort than a tub though and can make things difficult but doesn't mean they don't work. Other enclosures just might not be ideal.

Bulbs suck out humidity. They aren't ideal. Undertank heaters can work great.

You don't need to feed every 5 days. Once a week is completely fine.

Did this person explain why to do it that way?

[vypr]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

You can switch to rats that way too. I'vemused that step if I think the snake might be difficult. Use what you feel is comfortable for you.

Humidity is fine at 60%. Increase it at shedding time.

I use tubs. Work amazingly well. I have seen other types of enclosures work. Some take more effort than a tub though and can make things difficult but doesn't mean they don't work. Other enclosures just might not be ideal.

Bulbs suck out humidity. They aren't ideal. Undertank heaters can work great.

You don't need to feed every 5 days. Once a week is completely fine.

Did this person explain why to do it that way?

No he wasn't very detailed, everything he said made sense.. but how am I going to heat up the cool side from 70f to 80f without a bulb?

[Aaron_S]

Originally Posted by vypr

No he wasn't very detailed, everything he said made sense.. but how am I going to heat up the cool side from 70f to 80f without a bulb?

If you're currently using a bulb and everything has been working fine then stay with it.

Bulbs just aren't ideal. Doesn't mean they don't work. You will have to watch humidity levels is all.

If you have specific questions go to my facebook and send me a message or PM me. I don't check here often enough.

[vypr]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

If you're currently using a bulb and everything has been working fine then stay with it.

Bulbs just aren't ideal. Doesn't mean they don't work. You will have to watch humidity levels is all.

If you have specific questions go to my facebook and send me a message or PM me. I don't check here often enough.

Okay that's great! If I have any specific questions I'll contact you there.

I just had a good update tho, he ate a rat today! I'll keep him on live rats for a bit until I think he is ready to switch to f/t rats.