Yeah, a stubborn one comes along every now & then. If you're experiencing problems more with getting him to take rats thawed in water (wet) you might try letting them thaw to room temperature & then heating them with a lamp to around 100°F. I've had some Burms that wouldn't touch a wet rat.

I know it sounds mean but I believe it's best to ride it out & not cave in to him. It would be different if we were talking about a sick snake. Also, I wouldn't spend much time danicin' the rat around to simulate live or else you'll be doing it every time you feed him. All of my snakes, except for some of my aggravatin' Ball Pythons, will either snatch the rat as it enters the cage or eat it after I simply lay it on the cage floor.

I've never had any luck with scenting with chicken broth. You might try using a raw chicken thigh or drumstick to rub over the F/T rats. However, I suggest avoiding adding another factor (chicken scent) to an already complicated situation.

While you're in the transitioning process I suggest getting a few 1/2lb. rabbits and offering them from time to time. Another year and you'll be doing the same thing with rats as you were doing with mice - feeeding it a bucket load in order to make it a meal. I strongly suggest not feeding them guinea pigs. Why go from mice to rats, rats to GPs, GPs to rabbits? And why take a chance on the snake getting hung up on GPs? Rats & rabbits are more readily available, easier to raise, etc... I've found it easier to get Burms switched over to rabbits when they're in the 7 - 8ft range.

I wish you the best! Please let me know how it goes.

Take care!
HH
-----
Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American


www.natures-signature.com

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