Reptile & Amphibian Forums

What are some tricks used to switch a snake from live to frozen pinkies. I know of exposing the brain. Thanks in advance.

"Braining" a pinkie is usually used to get them to eat pinkies when they really want lizards or snakes.

To get them to eat frozen/thawed pinkies is really fairly simple. The biggest thing is to make sure the thawed pinkie is warmed up to about 100 degrees F. (for all methods)

Method #1 Wait an extra day or two between feedings so the snake will be good and hungry. Hold a F/T pinkie with forceps and sort of wiggle it around in front of the snake. Don't make a lot of commotion or disturb the snake. Usually this method will work and you don't have to bother with anything else.

Method #2 Offer a frozen/thawed pinkie immediately after the snake has finished eating a live one. They are in "feeding mode" then and will usually take the F/T pinkie without problems. After you do that a few times, then just offer F/T pinkies.

Method #3 Place the snake and the F/T pinkie in a deli cup together, put the top on securely and leave it alone for a few hours. If it doesn't take the pinkie the first time, try again after about 2 days, but don't give it a live pinkie in the meantime. You want it to be hungry. If this method fails after 2 or 3 attempts, go back to method 2.

I've never seen a snake that was feeding on live pinkies that wouldn't eventually switch to F/T. I have seen a few that were feeding on live adult mice that wouldn't switch no matter what you did.

I appreciate your advice