New foster baby

[Unsung-melody]

So a friend of mine lost his job and can't take care of his ball python anymore. I have agreed to take her until he is back on his feet or until she gets adopted. He said she's about three feet long and is eating 3 live adult mice every 12 days. I want to try to switch her to f/t and possible a rat. Any advice anyone has is welcomed. I just didn't want this baby to starve and he hasn't been able to find her a new home yet, do I agreed to take her. I have no idea what kind of condition she's in but I suppose I'll find out soon enough. I'll update everyone then.

[rmfsnakes32]

You may have to switch to live rats 1st just to get him used to them or prekilled where its still warm and fresh. I personally feed live I have tried frozen thawed they refused after months of trying maybe the ball will be different

[Unsung-melody]

Ok. Thanks for the pointers!

[Lankyrob]

Personally i would just try it with a f/t rat to start with and see what happens it may just take it!

[Tango]

Kudos to you for helping your friend out. I imagine it helped ease his mind to know his little buddy will be well taken care of, even if he cannot be the one to do it.

[OSMDEATHOWNER]

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

Personally i would just try it with a f/t rat to start with and see what happens it may just take it!

I feel the same, if the feeding response is really well, then I feel itll take watever smells like food, just give it a little heat by blow drying. As well as the condition its in, if its bad, maybe you can help it! Make sure the husbandry is correct, fresh water is provided and its eating right and on time. You cant do anything but help with that. I love rescueing snakes and good luck with your new friend. If your not too far, I'll adopt! I'm in jersey. other then that, rats are the way to go and I would love to see a pic of the snake if you get the time!

[Unsung-melody]

I'll post as soon as the little girl is delivered to me. He is dropping her off. And I'm in Louisiana. Lol.

[Unsung-melody]

She's HERE!!! He said she hadn't eaten in two weeks and would probably be hungry so I offered her a f/t small rat thinking she probably wouldn't take i because she's never eaten f/t, she's used to mice, and she was just moved... low and behold! she took it! She has an awesome feeding response! Scared me a little.... lol. I'm used to my baby spotted who is so tiny... I'm gonna need longer tongs... The rat was gone in 10 minutes. Think she needs another one, o just let her chill with the one until next week? She's in great shape! Or at least I think so. She looks good! very sweet, super active. His husbandry wasn't so hot... she was in a 15 gallon tank witht wo hides (one that was too small) and tiny water dish and some fake plants. Now I have her in a 20 gallon... not much better, but I think she should be okay for a few days until I can get a bigger enclosure built for her. Is a 36x12x36 big enough? Heres a pic of the girl:



Sorry for the poor quality. I'm no photographer!!