I've had pretty good luck. You just have to give up on the tough ones and release them. Then go find a different one. If you really want an easy one, release even the ones that will take scented mice and hold out for one that takes mice right off the bat.

Seems to me they vary alot in personality, but most fit into the following 3 catagories:

Some will never feed at all, including snakes and lizards. Obviously these should be released.

Some will start taking snakes or lizards and can usually be coaxed into taking scented mice. I find these touchy and unpredictable. They may eat 3 or 4 mice in a row and suddenly refuse to eat more. Keep these only if you're up to the challenge.

Some will take thawed domestic mice right away. These often make model captives no more difficult than your average corn snake. I have an wc adult male which is starting its fourth season in captivity. It has never refused a meal and never required scenting or any other tricks. Believe it or not, there are more like that than many people think.

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