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 #1832797


Mandibabe
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 Eating problem

My ball python ate a live gerbil last weekend and now this week bought her a frozen rat but she did not eat that, what could be the problem and what’s the easiest way around this?
08/16/08  12:13pm

 #1832799


Brembo
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   Message To: Mandibabe   In reference to Message Id: 1832797


 Eating problem

There’s really so much it could be, but more info is needed.

Has she eaten before the gerbil?
What is her normal food?
How old is she? Is she CH, CB, WC?
How long have you had her?
Was she eating at the breeder/pet shop? Did you see this yourself?


There’s a good start...
08/16/08  12:16pm

 #1832809


LoftLizard
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   Message To: Brembo   In reference to Message Id: 1832799


 Eating problem

Hate to be the bearer of bad news... but if that snake was a hesitant feeder you just put it back along way by giving it a gerbil.

You will not be able to switch it over to a dead rat after that. I cannot say that will 100% certainty... I hope you`ll be able to, but to be honest I have my doubts.

You fed the equivalent of a candy bar and that snake will likely hold out waiting for more.

You are going to have to work in steps... start with a live prey, then move to frozen in time.

B
08/16/08  12:26pm

 #1832810


LoftLizard
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   Message To: Brembo   In reference to Message Id: 1832799


 Eating problem

Hate to be the bearer of bad news... but if that snake was a hesitant feeder you just put it back along way by giving it a gerbil.

You will not be able to switch it over to a dead rat after that. I cannot say that will 100% certainty... I hope you`ll be able to, but to be honest I have my doubts.

You fed the equivalent of a candy bar and that snake will likely hold out waiting for more.

You are going to have to work in steps... start with a live prey, then move to frozen in time.

B
08/16/08  12:27pm

 #1832827


Brembo
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   Message To: LoftLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1832810


 Eating problem

Actually, you might be able to switch it back by scenting the new prey. This process is more successful than merely offering a new food choice and works well enough for many people.

But more info is needed to get a better idea of other possible issues besides food choice.
08/16/08  12:36pm

 #1832902


GA_Ball_Pythons
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   Message To: Mandibabe   In reference to Message Id: 1832797


 Eating problem

Not sure why you were feeding gerbils but that was a bad choice if you did because of feeding issues, it was still a bad choice.

Now you need to go progressively you can except an animal to switch from one specific live prey to another frozen one it got to be one step at the time and you will be lucky if you can switch back.
08/16/08  02:17pm

 #1832934


LoftLizard
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   Message To: GA_Ball_Pythons   In reference to Message Id: 1832902


 Eating problem

As GA said... you`ll need to go step by step. I would not scent your new prey with gerbils. You need to stop the gerbil train ASAP or you`ll have a snake that will hold out for more.

I have a gerbil eater that I adopted two years ago... this snake is still not on rats... one of the worst feeding mistakes you can make.

Not being harsh, but truly it is.

Bruce
08/16/08  02:48pm

 #1832985


LadyOhh
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   Message To: LoftLizard   In reference to Message Id: 1832934


 Eating problem

Thank goodness Gerbils are illegal in Cali!

LOL

Try live mice. They move around alot and they tend to be what picky eaters go for.

OR

ASFRs... (African Soft Furred Rats)



08/16/08  04:10pm

 #1833069


Brembo
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   Message To: LadyOhh   In reference to Message Id: 1832985


 Eating problem

Illegal? Wow!

They’re practically illegal here. Must be. Cost like 15.00 and up!
08/16/08  05:55pm


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