I obtained 3 WC Viper Boas last July. One fed within days of arrival, feeds ravenously on mice , grabs them right off the tongs.
The Second one took a while, but soon would take live hopper mice overnight. Has been refusing food now though, for unknown reason, but is plenty fat so not worried.
Number Three is the interesting case, he steadfastly refused mice of all sizes and rat pups, presented in all different ways, he refused frogs but eventually would eat Anoles. On a whim I decided to try a Chinese Dwarf Hamster last night and to my great surprise it was gone this morning. I was very surprised and checked the cage thoroughly to make sure it was not hiding in the bedding or escaped but I think he did actually eat it!
So the moral of the story is just keep offering foods and maybe try something a bit novel and with patience they will eat!
(I have to admit a friend told me that the chinese hamsters are good for getting finicky Balls to eat so that is what prompted me to try one with the viper)
Whenever I leave live prey in with the snakes I also leave rodent food and water to minimize the risk of them nibbling on the snakes (which are usually well buried in the mulch).
Luckily I raise the hamsters, otherwise they are $7 or more each at the pet stores. A snake with expensive tastes... I am hoping that by finally eating one rodent he may be more receptive to mice in the future.....
