Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just recently bought 2 cribos .one yellowtail the other blacktailed.both males. both large 7 to 8 ft. the blacktail was a recent w.c. both have the sweetest disposition you can imagine. the w.c. seems to really enjoy being handled.I've offered thawed weaned rats, but they both ignore them. I caught a couple of toads in my backyard, and they both gobbled them up with enthusiasm. I'm hesitant to make a habit of this .I "m nervous about the parasite issue, and I'm not sure if these toads are good for them. I was told to check into breeding my own frogs. but I would really feel better, if I could get these guys to feed on rodents.any suggestions? Thank you , Bullsnake

Sounds like they have a taste for amphibians so, you might try scenting your rodents with frogs or toads. As gross as it sounds, try putting a toad in a blender & pouring it over your rodents. Assuming they eat them this way, you can slowly wean them off of the scented items.

Good luck!

Eric
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If Jesus is your co-pilot, you'd better change seats!

Thanks Eric !

there are several options, all of which should be tried before offering another live toad. try a young/fuzzy/pup rat and wash it to cut down on rodent smell. then try wiping it with frog skin, then as eric suggested frog squish. sometimes simply washing a rat and peeling back the skin on the head (pre-killed of course) to expose the flesh smell will entice your predatory beast.

matt

I've used whole chicks and chicken parts from the supermarket with great success!
The whole chicks were f/t and offered either in the enclosure on the floor or on tongs and moved about slightly to attract the snakes attention if they didn't eat the chicks on their own.
Same with the chicken parts. I use drumsticks of appropriate size. I also used the chicken to scent rodents which I have found was the best way to get them on rodents right off, then gradually they would take them with out the use of scenting.
I personally would not use frogs and definitely not toads. Even if parasite load or poisoning were not issues to be concerned with, you wouldn't want them to get hooked on a food source that may be difficult to obtain.
Try the chicken.

Good luck.