Interesting you mention that. I've done this with many herps and have never had any trouble switching back to rodents - of course, my herps live in the Midwest where things aren't quite as finicky. I typically only resort to this when everything else has failed so when I say "many" that's a bit of an exageration - probably a couple of dozen and three or four gabbies off the top of my head.

>>I agree with what Rob said, except, DON'T feed quail! Sure, snakes love them, and WILL imprint on them VERY quickly. Then your problem is, feeding quail every time you feed it.
>>It is VERY hard to odor-manipulate rodents with birds. (unless you "dip" rodents in Campbell's Chicken Soup!)
>>
>>Also, another thing I didn't see mentioned.
>>Is the snake in a shed cycle? That is a very good sign Gabbies won't eat. I think your temps are fine. Most snakes won't eat during a shed cycle, with exceptions, such as Indigoes, False Water Cobra's, etc.
>>
>>Randal Berry
-----
Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

[ Show Entire Thread ]