I usually start their 1st two meals on mouse fuzzys (I know that its a small meal, but the goal is to get them to eat at this time). If they don't readily take it live within the 1st week after shedding, then I'll put the mouse under an upside-down margarine-type container with a hole cut on top (about the size of a quarter). Then I'll cover the window to make the room fairly dark. I'll check in an hour and I'll find that many will be inside the cup with a full belly. I think this "hunting" technique is what initially spurs them into feeding mode.
I've had very good sucess using this method on those who would otherwise shy away. They switch to rat pups fairly easily around there 3rd or 4th meal.

Oh, by the way, this is all being done in a shoe-box type sterlite container. Good luck.
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--aka DMOG68

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