Finally ate...but not frozen

[pythonregius]

So after almost 5 months of not eating, my ball python finally gobbled down a rat pup like it was nobodys business. The only problem is that he was use to eating dead rats (which took me forever to get him on) but now doesn't even take a first glance at them when offered. Live on the other hand, he kills almost instantly everytime. Has this happended to anyone else? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can get him back on already thawed prey? Cause I've seen the horror stories of live feeding and I hate watching them die when he does eat.

[Jayson]

I have a male that start with live every year, after about 2-3 live feeding he starts taking f/k then f/t again

[gonesnakee]

How do you go about trying to feed him F/T prey? Details will help. Many folks don't have much luck not because the snake won't take it, but the ways they go about offering it. Pythons feed best at night & sometimes all it takes is to warm up the prey to a nice hot temp & a little tease feed. If you elaborate on how you go about trying in a little detail maybe folks can offer some feeding tips. I have taken in quite a few "problem feeders" from others before that will eat like pigs for me. Sometimes its husbandry, but quite often its only warming that already warmed prey up 10 more degrees & then wham strikage. There are other snakes that won't eat if anyones around too, so warming it up extra so it stays warm while the snake decides to finally check it out once you are gone also helps in that case. Of course sometimes its the snake too, but can also be the time of season, the fact that its a male that may want to be breeding not feeding etc. Cheers Mark
p.s. basically its all about what you provide for info. Saves folks from guessing things or assuming husbandry is correct etc. etc. Also saves you from those obvious things you are already aware of, folks will know if they are already stated by you & won't provide info already known or methods you have already tried.

[pythonregius]

On his cool side of the cage the temp sits at 80 degrees. On his hot spot it sits at 90 degrees. Average humidity stands around 55 - 60. Has two seperate shelters for selection, jungle beding, and a water dish large enough for soaking which is changed daily. My attempst at feeding are always with tongs so that I do not have to put my arm inside the enclosure and I try as best to feed him at night before I work. (I work night shifts right now)

Usually I thaw a small rat in my fridge for a day then warm him up with a heat lamp until his temp reaches above average. (warmer then my own body) If I could get my pics to work properly I would post the cage and my snake for you too see.

Thanks for the comments!!