Picky Picky Python!

[Woapalanne]

Yes, we all know pythons are horribly picky eaters.
We tried to feed my roommate's python a pk rat today, yet the bp just slithers around it. So, the questions are:

How long should I let it sit before I get rid of it?

and

Should I just throw it in the dumpster outside or what? O_o I don't relish the smell of decaying rat every time I take something out until Tuesday, but I can't think of any other option...
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	Ball Python The Ball Python (Python regius), also known as the Royal Python, is a ground dwelling snake native to the savannahs and rain forests in western Africa, predominatly the countries of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

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[Seany]

Hi... I used to have the same problem. I find the best way to do it is leave the rat in the tank for 6-8 hours. If it's still there, he isn't going to eat it. So, remove the rat, put it in a plastic bag and tuck it in the freezer until garbage day. That way it won't smell.
If you are sharing the freezer (wife/gf...) make sure to mark the bag and warn them [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_smile.gif[/img]
My wife was not happy the first time I did that... [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img] [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif[/img]
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[JC86]

If you thaw a rat and it isn't eaten, do NOT refreeze it. Once it's been thawed the first time it's already started to rot.

If you buy frozen and thaw it...and it goes uneaten, just toss it out.


Scott
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[Ed_r]

Well i wouldnt do it after 6-8 hours. But i have refozen reats after an hour of being out. Sometimes a Picky BAll Python Like something a little gamey. I mean not with magots crawling all over but a refreezing or 2 isnt a bad thing if its not out too long.
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[impermanentrage]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> but a refreezing or 2 isnt a bad thing </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>

Absolutely correct. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it, and some snakes even seem to prefer it! Now, am i saying that you should let an animal stay in a cage for 24 hrs and than refreeze? No. But use your better judgment. A good rule of thumb is, if their is no pungent, decaying stench permeating from the animal, take your thumb and with a little pressure rub its stomach against the grain of the fur. If fur and skin sloughs off, than the animal has begun to decay and perhaps it's a good idea to toss it into some thicket of woods , or leave it buried in your backyard. Otherwise? It is quite acceptable to refreeze in a seperate bag. Just be sure to lable it. As time goes on, you will begin to notice which snakes like fresh, and which snakes like double thawed.
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[Woapalanne]

The rat was pk, not ft [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_wink.gif[/img] I'm still working on finding a decent frozen rodent dealer in the area... You shouldn't freeze a rat that you just killed, should you?
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[impermanentrage]

<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font class="pn-sub">Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT class="pn-sub"><BLOCKQUOTE> You shouldn't freeze a rat that you just killed, should you?
</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>


That's how its done.
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