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Suri Feeding transition W/PIC of suri

matt_89 Mar 13, 2007 06:57 PM

I just aquired a baby female suriname red tail. It refused rats and mice, so I got it to at least eat something by starting it on chicks. My understanding is that rats are the healthiest food for young snakes. Do any of you have tips on how to switch a snake from chicks onto rat pups? BTW, I only have two chicks left and would like to use no more than that to aid in scenting or other methods so I do not need to order a bunch of feeders that I am trying to get my boa off-of anyway.

Replies (2)

Andy__G Mar 14, 2007 02:01 AM

Very nice little boa you have there.

What I would try for switching it over is this. Thaw a chick out and a rat out in the same plastic baggie. Shake them around a bit and make sure they make lots of contact so the scent is transfered. You can refreeze and rethaw the one chick to do this as the snake won't be eating the chick. Do this a few times and your snake should take rats no problem.

matt_89 Mar 17, 2007 06:22 AM

Thany you for the help. Shaking a rat pup and a chick in the bag helped, but it wasn't quite enough. However, when I combined that with putting chicken feathers into the rat pup's mouth, it was a success. Now I just need to transition my boa to unscented, but the most crucial part is done, so YAY :D

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