Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi!

Question. If most people feed their ball pythons rats when they are older, why do you feed hatchlings mice fuzzies/hoppers? Why not feed them rat fuzzies to start? Is there any benefit to the mice?

Tx!

All of my ball pythons are started on rats, only if they are just about to starve do I offer a hopper mouse.

The last thing I want to do is try and transition a female ball python from mice to rats. I would say that 90 % of my hatchling BPs will start on rats pinkies.

Brian
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Brian Gundy

www.for-goodness-snakes.com

>>Hi!
>>
>>Question. If most people feed their ball pythons rats when they are older, why do you feed hatchlings mice fuzzies/hoppers? Why not feed them rat fuzzies to start? Is there any benefit to the mice?
>>
>>Tx!

Rat pinkies don't move around much,and some baby balls need the movement to kick in their predatory instincts.
Once that first meal or two has gotten through their system they will then seek out their meals(which is when you just give them rat fuzzys)
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Charles Glaspie
http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c95/Coldthumb
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=191635543

1. Hatchling too small for rat pup - try hopper mouse*

2. Hatchling won't take rat pup - try hopper mouse

* footnote: rat pinks and fuzzys are out as I only work with feeders with hair -- get a much better response with them.
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Tosha
JET Pythons

They definitely start easier on mice and switch to rats quite easily after couple meals...and usually to f/t after couple more.
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Dale....dgoins222@yahoo.com
www.LibertyReptiles.com

A couple of reasons. To me the most important reason is that hopper behavior in a closed box/cage stimulates feeding response.
Hatchling balls can easily handle them and gain confidence in their ability to kill and eat potential prey.

I also try to start on pinky/fuzzy rats and if they refuse them a couple time I'll try mouse hoppers. Something about a hopper mouse's erratic movement seems to draw strikes even from the most reluctant feeders. Most will switch to rats after a few feedings but some get hooked on mice.

Chris

TX!