Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi guys, I need help! I've recently adopted a 5-10 year old python, a good 4 feet at least, but maybe a pound underweight. He is hungry and is very interested when I put a dead mouse in his cage. I dangled it on the end of a rubber tong, and he got really excited, but he goes for my hand instead of the mouse. The snake is very docile when he is being handled, he only seems interested in my hand when I am trying to feed him. I was told by the rescue organization that he cannot have a live mouse because he is a bit slow and does not always go for the right end, and has a lot of scars. any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks!

>>Hi guys, I need help! I've recently adopted a 5-10 year old python, a good 4 feet at least, but maybe a pound underweight. He is hungry and is very interested when I put a dead mouse in his cage. I dangled it on the end of a rubber tong, and he got really excited, but he goes for my hand instead of the mouse. The snake is very docile when he is being handled, he only seems interested in my hand when I am trying to feed him. I was told by the rescue organization that he cannot have a live mouse because he is a bit slow and does not always go for the right end, and has a lot of scars. any advice or suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Try a rat pup. It won't injure the snake and is very slow moving.
David

your bp is probably striking at your hand cause it is warmer than the mouse, wash your hands get any sent off and put the mouse in ziplock bag, run under hot water,,,, i am new as well but have read and followed the advice of the experts here. good luck

Good advise! I'd try warming the rodent first. If that doesn't work try freshly killed. Good luck.
-----
The Voices have won!

jeff pfeifer

We also have an "older" BP. We found her abandoned in the neighborhood. We don't have a clue how old she is but when she would go for the mouse she would miss a lot. By accident we discovered we had to help her. My husband was picking her up out of her feeding box and aimed her head at the mouse saying, "comeon baby, you need to eat". She hadn't eaten in like 4 months. While he was holding her she took the mouse! He put her back down to do the rest. We tested it again several times and sure enough, she needed us to hold her and aim her at the mouse. I figure her age and dependancy is what caused some heartless creep to abandon her. But we have all the love to give her that she can take!
-----
Veronica