Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've just started trying to switch my carpet to small rats, I'm not real worried right now but, I've tried twice and he hasn't shown any interest at all. Normally he's a really good eater. Any tips on switching him over would be greatly appreciated. All I could think of was rubbing a mouse on the rat to make it smell similar. Oh yeah he eats frozen thawed. Thanks alot

Lucky

>>I've just started trying to switch my carpet to small rats, I'm not real worried right now but, I've tried twice and he hasn't shown any interest at all. Normally he's a really good eater. Any tips on switching him over would be greatly appreciated. All I could think of was rubbing a mouse on the rat to make it smell similar. Oh yeah he eats frozen thawed. Thanks alot

Why dont't you warm the rat up in the same water as the mice? The hot water will help the mousey smell stick to the rat. Also give it time and try to be patient...

Darci
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Takes all kinds to make a World...

I have read some carpets are hard to switch over. I have a jungle carpet and was fortunate that she switched with no problem. What I did is waited for like 2 weeks before I tried to feed her. Then I just fed her like I did with the mice...with tongs and she grabbed it with out hesitation. BUT she did drop it as if to say, "That's not what I normally get." She eventually took it the second time I held it in front of her. (She eats F/T) Ever since she eats them with no problems. She is up to medium rats now. When I thaw out her rats I boil water and put the rat in a container on top of her cage then pore the water in it. She gets very excited tring to get at it. Maybe try that with a mouse followed by a rat in the same water to get some mouse flavor on it. Just a thought since I'm no expert. :0) Good Luck.

Do you guys thaw your rodents directly in the water? With both my snakes I've always put them in a ziplock bag then in the water. Thanks again.

Lucky

>>Do you guys thaw your rodents directly in the water? With both my snakes I've always put them in a ziplock bag then in the water. Thanks again.

...I'm not a big fan of wet dead rodent but they thaw quicker when totally submerdged and if you do need to scent them you kinda have to deal.

I wouldn't suggest boiling water though as you don't want to cook the rodent. The hotest water out of your faucet should be enough.

Darci
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Takes all kinds to make a World...

I put mine right in the water. I get the water hotter then tap water, but not like a rolling boil, then put in the rat. Maybe your method of putting it in a baggie makes it taste weird. Maybe that's why yours won't take the rat?? Once they are thawed then I blot them dry with paper towels then feed. Mine have all eaten this way. From my corns, milk and JCP. None have refused a meal. Plus I think the hot water get the meal warmer then room temp so they are more interested in eating. Once again, just my thoughts. :0)

After 2 weeks with no food put your snake in a box with the largest live pinky rat you can get.
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1.1.0 Amazon tree boa
1.0.0 Jungle carpet python
0.1.0 Argentene boa
1.1.0 Florida king
1.1.3 Leopard Gecko
2.1.0 Tokay Gecko
0.1.0 Spotted Gecko
African flower mantis
Pink toe tarantula