Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Say I purchased a snake from a breeder who fed live rodents.
I much rather feed f/t.
Should I feed the snake live until it is acclimated to it's new home, or would it be ok to try f/t from the start?

Assuming a strong healthy snake with good weight, give it a few days to settle in, then for your first feeding offer your preferred prey, in this case thawed.

If it takes it off of hemos, great. If not, leave it in. It usually helps to make that type of change late at night, offer at 10pm, then leave it in overnight, so the new snake can eat in the peace and quiet of the evening.

Again, assuming good weight and health, if you are not successful the first time, try again in a week. If after 3 tries you still have no success, then go back to fresh killed or live and establish a feeding pattern, stay with it for 6 or so feedings, then look to make the transition again.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

I just brought home a 6 month old BP this past Sunday. The breeder had been feeding it live prey. I too, like you wanted to feed f/t. Well, I gave him his first small mouse today. He took it within 15 seconds of me introducing it into the tub. I'm not sure if this would make any difference, but I got a tupperware tub with a dark colored top from Wal-Mart. The snake took the prey right after I closed the top on the tub.

Go with everything Robyn said....It worked for me...I would also heat the prey item up a bit the heat seems to help intice them...especially when you feed in the dark

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Scott
"The most powerful person never has to use it"