In my 10 years of breeding D. couperi, I have never had to resort to feeding snakes to get stubborn hatchlings to feed. This certainly compounds problems for customers as you certainly don't want to have to have them depend on a frozen feeder snake supplier (plus, there are far many more chances for parasite transmission with reptiles).

Before I try any food for a first feeding, I always offer a f/t fuzzy mouse; 9 times out of 10 they'll refuse it but for that one that does take it, the job is then easy from then on out. Since your's is already somewhat imprinted on baby corn snakes, your job gets a bit tougher but certainly manageable.

I have had the greatest success offering 1-day old quail to baby indigos. Shortly after a few f/t feedings of quail, I scent fuzzies with quail and they quickly switch to rodents (but I offer a variety of feeder animals in my indigo's diet). I would imagine that keeping a frozen corn snake on hand that you can use to rub a dead rodent with will do the trick. You might even place the corn snake in a food processor, blend it all up (gross I know) and then put in a freezer ziplock bag. Then, once frozen, take a small chunk of it and place it in a plastic bag with a f/t fuzzy, that has been thoroughly rinsed to get as much "rodent" odor off, and allow it to coat the fuzzy....I can almost guarantee you that the indigo will not be able to resist this offering.

Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center
Lake Forest, IL

>>Hi Folks; Once again I need some advice. I was fortunate enough to stumble on an opportunity to purchase a CB05 female. which I did. However, the breeder said that she was only taking baby corn snakes. I would like to get her on pinkies/crawlers. I know this subject has been dicussed numerous times. I just need a refresher. Scenting with fish ? I did have success years ago with that method.
>>What has worked best for you ?
>>
>>Thanks in advance for your suggestions
>>
>>Mark
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Rob Carmichael, Curator
The Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, IL

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