How big should the mouse be?

toker · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 07:41 PM

Quick Question

How big of a mouse should I try to feed my RTB?

When I got her at the store this is what was said ...

Sales Person: I just fed her a small mouse yesterday
Me: Is that what I should ask for? A small mouse?
Sales Person: Just ask for the smallest mouse they have.

Needless to say I am a bit confused. What should I ask for when I go to pick up the mouse. "I need a small mouse..."

She is about 6 months old Vet said Born April/May and about 19" long

She had a really bug bulge when I took her home, I don’t want to feed her something that she either won't eat or will hurt her eating it.

Thanks again for your help!!

Toker

morti · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 07:49 PM

First off, what kind of snake are we talking about here?

For most snakes, you can follow what we call the "girth rule". That means that any prey item you offer your snake should be equal to or just slightly larger than the girth of your snake at it's widest point. Only feed pre-killed or even better, frozen thawed.

But again, please tell me what kind of snake you are talking about and I can give you some better advice.

Thanks!
-Your Sick Uncle Morti.

toker · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 07:54 PM

Well I will be honest, I don't know all the exact lingo that floats around here

but this is what I know. She is a Central American Red Tail Boa about 6 months old.

I guess where I am getting fuzzy is, the last time I got a mouse for my brothers snake all I was told to ask for was a feeder mouse, the guy walked in the back and handed me a box. However that was a good size mouse.

I am going to have to go with pre-killed mice because my wife is scared to death of mice and having them in the freezer isn't a very good idea.

Hope this helps.

LdyDrgn · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toker

How big of a mouse should I try to feed my RTB?

A bci should never have to see a mouse in its life. What you need are rat pinks. If rat pinks are not available and you can only find mice then a hopper/weaned mouse is probably the size you need.

However, at 19".. I would think the snake should be up to rat fuzzies or pups. A small adult mouse is about the same size as a pup.

Look for rats first. Only get mice as a last resort. Hopefully you can find some frozen, but if not, whack anything that has open eyes before giving it to your snake.

toker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 08:05 PM

So just to recap, if I walk into a pet store and ask for "rat fuzzies" or "rat pups" and as a last resort "hopper/weaned mouse" they should know what I am talking about.

and dont worry, I plan to p/k anything I give to her.

toker · #6 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 08:10 PM

Another quick thought, sorry to seem so spacey... but I have never seen any fuzzies or pinkies... just mice that are being fed to larger snakes. I understand the "..just slightly larger than the girth of your snake at it's widest point."

But I don't have anything to compare to.

RevMojo · #7 (**permalink**) 09-29-2003, 10:50 PM

So ask to see em. They let people get dogs out and play with em before they buy em, right?

Welcome to the site, good to have you here!

Shadrach · #8 (**permalink**) 09-30-2003, 03:18 AM

Toker hang in there you'll get the hang of it quick enough. Just remember about what size your snake is and then eyeball the rat or mouse before you buy it. If they give you a hard time about asking to see it before you buy it go somewhere else. Boas as a general rule need to have the girth rule followed more closely than say pythons.

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