Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 4 hatchlings from the same clutch; 3 mojaves, 1 normal. Two hatchlings are males; two are females. Here's my problem.

The males eat without hesitation f/t rat pups. The females try to hide when they see the f/t rat pups but they take live mice instanly when put in front of them, no hesitation whatsoever.

Is this a feeding peculiarity with males and females and f/t rodents? I would like for all to take the f/t rat pups, it would be so much easier, safer and less expensive - any suggestions for the females?

Thanks,
Jim

I got a hatchling female pinstripe earlier this year and she was hesitant the first time I offered her F/T so I gave her a live mouse which she jumped on immediately, much like your situation. I deduced that it must have been the body heat of the live food so I began warming the F/T food for 10 min. prior to offering them to her and since then she has taken 15 meals in a row with zero hesitation. In fact, I have to watch my hand because she hits them with such gusto!
I just place the already thawed rat or mouse in a baggie and put it in a bowl of hot water (not heated, just hot from the tap)for 10 min. That gets the body temp to 95 degrees or so. Be careful to avoid bacterial growth by thawing the food quickly and don't warm them any longer than needed.

John

John - thanks for the input; I'll give it a try.

Jim