Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, about 2 years ago I received a 13 year old ball from a couple who wanted to start traveling and wanted the snake to be taken care of. I agreed to take him, and its been great...he's calm and always eats well everytime. What he eats is what I'm posting for...when I got him the people told me he had been eating gerbils for just about 10 years.

I thought it was kind of a strange choice, but they said that was just what they had given him. I've been feeding him gerbils with no problems, but was wondering if you thought he would be able to change to small rats? The gerbils are kind of expensive, about $7 or so each, so I'd appreciate the value of getting some cheap rats.

I tried to give him a f/t rat today that was about the same size as the gerbils he's eaten...he'd come up to it, but wouldn't do anything else.

Any tips would be appreciated, or whether or not you think I can even make the switch at all with him eating gerbils for over 10 years. Thanks

Wow! No responses in over ten days!

I am a complete newbie, which is why I have hesitated to respond. However, based on "book learnin'", I would suggest placing the rat in soiled gerbil litter for a while before presenting it to the snake. This will cause the rat to smell like a gerbil, and perhaps make it more palatable. Your gerbil/rat dealer should be willing to give you some soiled litter. You might also try live rats before moving to FT, but I'd try a weanling, and even then in a VERY controlled situation. Hang on to the rat with forceps until the snake grabs it. Rats can do a lot of damage.

Hopefully this is good advice, and if not, maybe it will elicit further responses from the more experienced crowd.

Steve