Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My latest hatchlings had their first shed on 7/30 and have not eatten yet. I have tried live pinky mice and f/t rat pinks. They appear to be very afraid of the food item and have appropriate humidity, heat, and hides. At what point do I force feed?

Before everyone suggests live hoppers or live pinky rats here is my dilemma.

I realized all too late that my local suppliers of live mouse hoppers and rat pinks are completely unreliable. They agreed to hold some mouse pinkies for me until they were hopper size for my new hatchlings but I found out they sold them off and forgot. They did this TWICE! They currently don't breed their rats and have no pinkies of any kind available. Deciding against letting someone else dictate my schedule of feedings I have recently acquired a 1.2 of mice with both females already very pregnant. I'll just raise my own hoppers for hatchlings from now on.

I attempt F/T rat pinks every 3-4 days at about 10pm at night. It will be atleast 2-3 weeks before I have hoppers of my own. At what point do I force feed them a f/t pinky mouse? Should I try a F/T hopper instead?

Thanks the help, it is much appreciated!

I would try a F/T hopper. Heat it up well, so it can sense the heat.I put my hoppers in a small baggie so it is dry. Then put the baggie in hot water. Also feed them separtely. I use tongs so my hand doesn't scare them. Don't stick the mouse in their face. I move it a little bit & let the snake come to the mouse & grab it by the head.
Be patient. I know that's hard when they haven't eaten that 1st meal.
Good luck!
Beth