Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

Do any of you maintain your breeders just on a diet of f/t rats and/or mice? I'm curious to see if anyone has been successful with this. I would imagine you would get a better feeding response with live, but I wonder if there are balls that are "actually" just live feeders, mouse feeders, etc., or do people give up too early? I appreciate all your responses.

Thanks,
Glenn

Frozen thawed all the way. If they don't like it they starve. I had some tough hold outs, but eventually they give in. Of course frozen thawed what? Frozen mice, rats, chicks, quail, black rats, white rats, thawed in hot water, thawed dry under a lamp...Tried it all and still do. Adds variety to the meal

I rarely feed live and the few times I do it is usually a juvenile animal feeding on pinkies, hoppers. I guess I am lucky since I get most everything to eat eventually. You just have to find out what they like and how they like it presented.

Be patient but persistant. IMHO.
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....to maintain on strictly f/t, but Rich's testimony is enough said...IF you have the patience!

SJM

Out of 27 BP's, I only have two that refuse f/t. One is a female who was imported as an adult and took 1.5 years to eat *anything*. Now she takes live small rats. The male that I purchased with her took just as long to start eating, but he now eats f/t without any hesitation.

The other non-f/t eater is a '94 farmed female that I've had since she was a hatchling. She has always been a live mouse eater. I occasionally try f/t and I think she's gone for it 2-3 ? times ever.

The rest of my guys/girls take f/t without any problem, and I've been sucessfully breeding for 5 years. Patience is definitely the key. I think that's the key to most things BP though.

Once the snakes accept f/t, as long as the rodents are warmed enough (I test by my hand, if it feels hot but not burning, it's about right) I haven't noticed a whole lot of difference in feeding response.

It does take a little longer than feeding p/k or live, and I definitely have to plan ahead. I'm guessing that could be the biggest factor with a huge collection - with under 50 snakes that isn't too bad, but with 1000 snakes that would be a *huge* time issue.

The only real downside that I've personally found with f/t is sometimes I have leftovers - defrosted rodents that weren't eaten. Fortunately, I have a 5.5' Ornate monitor who acts as a garbage disposal.

Elizabeth

Honesltly, Im new to balls, and ive had my three for almost a year. Even the one I got from a friend who claimed the snake always refused f/t took then within only a few weeks, and my babies took then without even thinking about it. Im sure not all BP are that easy to feed, but mine sure are!

Just thought I'd add my opinion to the exceedingly long list supporting the feeding of f/t prey. Not only more convenient, but cheaper, and safer for the snake (argueably more humane for the prey as well). With patience, there is no reason not to be feeding f/t prey. For the general pet owner, buy captive bred animals that are already started on f/t. Don't ever offer live and you will never have a problem. Nutritionally, f/t prey are just as adequate provided they aren't left in the freezer much more than 3 months. The are actually more likely to be gut-loaded for you as there is no petstore middleman keeping them while alive.

Thanks everyone! Your input is greatly appreciated.

Glenn