Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I think I've read somewhere the skin right after a shed can be somewhat delecate and was wondering if it would be hard on the new skin to feed right after my ball has shed.

Thanks!
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Rob

Rob,
You can go ahead and try to feed it. It wont kill the snake. The skin may be more sensitive after a shed, and if that is the case, it just wont eat the food. no big deal, eh?

>>Rob,
>>You can go ahead and try to feed it. It wont kill the snake. The skin may be more sensitive after a shed, and if that is the case, it just wont eat the food. no big deal, eh?
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Rob

I usually feed the next day(ie not the morning i find the shed the next morning), since they haven't eaten for about 7-10 days by then.
never had a problem or a refusal.
TomChambers

>>I usually feed the next day(ie not the morning i find the shed the next morning), since they haven't eaten for about 7-10 days by then.
>>never had a problem or a refusal.
>>TomChambers

I'm trying to switch her around to rats. Tried the rat first and had a couple large mice ready but wouldn't take those either. I'm going to give it another shot tonight. If she won't take the rat or the mouse tonight I'm planning on just trying the mouse on Sunday evening.

Then, I'll start trying some of the tricks like a brown paper bag, etc. At least that's my game plan as of now unless you have a better suggestion.

I also noticed it felt like she had a couple solids near her vent and I'm going to soak her to see if I can get her to expell them. She hasn't gone for about 2 weeks now.

I do appreciate your help.
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Rob

The way I switched my big girl was to let her eat one smaller than normal mouse and then offer the rat right after while the feeding response is strong. I scented the rat's face by rubbing the mouse on it and this worked. My girl is now 1170 grams and a certified rat eater. I got this method from the Pro Exotics FAQ about switching. You may want to read it. Good luck.
PE Mice to Rats FAQ

I agree with Bloodycats, that technique has worked for me.
You might not want to offer food on consecutive days. If it refuses a rat Friday and you want to offer a mouse, you should wait at least a day or two. Feeding is a stressful thing for some snakes, they won’t eat unless they feel totally secure. So a few days in between lets them mellow out a bit.

I have found three cases when I switch to rats from mice ( this is just my experience yours may vary):

1) They eat like pigs and don’t hesitate on the change over. (rare)

2) The technique mentioned above works with a varied amount of effort on the handler’s part.

3) I have snakes more stubborn than me, I had a female refuse rats for over five months, then I gave in, and she devours mice.
I know I shouldn't give in but it’s so hard to watch your snake not eat for that long.

However, when you do get them switched, don't feed a mouse to your snake, or she might remember what she was missing, then you might have to start the process all over again.
TomChambers

My ball pythons won't usually take food again until about 24 hours after they shed. They are much more enthusiastic feeders then.

>>I think I've read somewhere the skin right after a shed can be somewhat delecate and was wondering if it would be hard on the new skin to feed right after my ball has shed.
>>
>>Thanks!
>>-----
>>Rob
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Rob