Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm sorry I posted this question over in the rear fanged forum earlier this week so this is a duplicate but I think this forum gets a bit more traffic.

I finally had a chance to pick up a pair of hatchling mussurana at the begining of the month and I had a few questions regarding feeding. Currently I have been hand feeding (FF) them mouse tails and occasionaly leaving FT pinks in each of their cages over night to see if they would eat them (which they have not yet). What are some tips from those of you that keep mussuranas would recommend to me to get them taking pinks? Can I feed them baby corn snakes, anoles, house geckos etc... ? Best ways to scent? If I do get them to eat reptile prey my fear is that they would imprint on the food items and not want to accept rodent prey in the future. Any advice or tips is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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I'm assuming this is Boiruna maculata that you're speaking of.

I've found the best way to get baby mussuranas feeding is to just give in and give them snake feeders. I keep a couple pair of snakes whose babies are specifically for mussie feeders. Typically they'll eat a f/t part of a snake pretty easily. Occasionally they'll want a live one. You can raise your own, or just hit up your buddies who get stillborn or deformed babies.

I then move to f/t pinks with some snake skin attached with some cotton thread. Then I offer f/t pinks with snake skin rubbed on it. Then f/t pinks. Then whatever.

Boiruna are opportunistic and usually will start to take rodents.

Doug T

Doug Taylor Reptiles

Thanks Doug. They are boiruna maculata

This is where my next question might make some snake owners squimish but i think im in right forum. Would it make sense if I were to purchase an adult corn or ball and kill it humanely, slice it up into right size pieces and freeze for future use? I do not have easy access to cheap snakes to use as feeders and unfortunately no buddies that are into herps. Thanks for your help.

I'm not sure where you are in the country, but freshly road killed snakes can be frozen and used for this purpose...

Im up north so I rarely see roadkilled snakes. I think i am going to try some anoles bc they are cheap unless i can land some cheap feeder type snakes in Tinley this weekend.

House geckos work well too.

I picked up some cheap hatchling rat snakes freezing. Should i cut them into 2 inch lengths or leave them whole? Seems like whole snake might be too much for the hatchling mussurana.

You'd be surprised at how large of a snake they can handle.

However, cutting them up will make them last longer.

Cut them into 2 inch lengths left them in tanks over night. Female ate hers male left his. Should I force feed the male the snake piece or just try again in a few days? Hot spot temps are about 84 F but the ambient temp in tanks are about 69 F. Does ambient matter as much with these guys or is it fine with hot spot belly heat with flexwatt? Thanks

If we're realistic about things, feeding a snake to a snake is no different than feeding a mouse to a snake. Both are feeders to snakes. Hopefully you find what it is your snake is hungry for.

Doug T
Doug Taylor Reptiles

what kind and how much cotton thread you use is safe for the snakes? Also do you tie the thread around the pink and skin or do you sew the skin directly on the pink. Sorry for all the qs

I trim off the cotton thread to just what is needed in the knot, so much less than an inch. I've found it in the feces so it seems to just pass on through. I personally haven't had any issues with this technique.

Doug T

Doug Taylor Reptiles

I sewed a snake piece a few times to a pink and they both ate it. I have not found the cotton thread in the stool yet of either of them. Is it possible that the thread is being digested? The thread loop is small and i cant imagine it causing any impaction but not seeing it pass worries me.

Tough one to answer... but you're getting feeding so maybe next try it without stitching it on. OR as John Michels calls it... a pinky burrito.

Doug T

Thanks for your help Doug. They are eating good but at next feeding I think I will try just scenting the pinks. What is best way you have found to transfer the snake scent to the pinks? I was thinking of keeping them in same plastic bag for 30 minutes or so after they thaw and rubbing them together.

Both are eating snake scented pinkies now. The last shed had an effect on the male. Prior to shed he ate very timidly like snow white now after shed he eats like Hannibal lectern. Was a noticeable switch.

Hey guys, its bewen a while since I checked forums, and am happy to see the mussurana discussion! I agree with Doug, I wont argue with the babies, I feed them snakes and in time they will naturally take rodents.
I strongly believe to be a part of their genetic makeup. Very few adults dont take rodents.

This year I produced Clelia bicolor for the second time! and several Boirunas, as well as several Clelia rustica, so what else do I need to be happy (oh yes, many turtles)

Good luck to all mussurana lovers.

David

Oops, I tried to do a smile !