How do I switch to F/T mice?

[smmfish]

When I bought my BP back in January, they swore to me that he would only take live mice. So for the past couple of months I have been feeding live. I know don't flame me. I was just doing what the lfs told me to do. Well, this last time I fed the baby rat bit my BP three times. So, I went to Hastings last night and bought a dozen frozen mice.
How do I get him to eat the f/t mice instead of the live?
I know I have to thaw them in warm water and dry them off, then do I just use tongs and shake the mouse in front of him or what?
Please help!!!

	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.

	Frozen/Thawed A rodent or other prey item that is frozen and then thawed to be fed to a reptile or other animal.

[Sleepy_FF]

Originally Posted by smmfish

When I bought my BP back in January, they swore to me that he would only take live mice. So for the past couple of months I have been feeding live. I know don't flame me. I was just doing what the lfs told me to do. Well, this last time I fed the baby rat bit my BP three times. So, I went to Hastings last night and bought a dozen frozen mice.
How do I get him to eat the f/t mice instead of the live?
I know I have to thaw them in warm water and dry them off, then do I just use tongs and shake the mouse in front of him or what?
Please help!!!

first off... Welcome to rtb! glad to have ya here.
second, MOST snakes take f/t without any problems. glad to see you switching.

you have it right, except that to mke sure the mouse is the right temp, you should NOT feel any cool or cold when you press your ginter into the abdomen or depress the skull for about 20 seconds. wiggle that mousie around and your BF should take it no problems. if there ARE problems... tehre are ways to fix that too

also, IF you can, switching to rats is a good idea - tastier and better for ya (kinda like switching form iceberg lettuce to spinache. both good for you, ones better)

[TammyJamaica]

Those people told you he would only take live mice because it was easier for them. They did not care about the welfare of the snake, only about making a sale. Well, now you know better than to feed live, and all you have to do is thaw the rat/mouse properly, and present it to him when you know he is not shedding and he is hungry and ready to eat. Should not be a problem.
Good luck!

[JuliusSqueezer]

You worded your question the best I've ever seen it worded. "How do I switch" Not "how does my snake switch". The answer is simple. Instead of buying live mice to feed your snake, buy frozen and thaw them out before feeding them to your snake. It really is that simple!

[smmfish]

Thanks guys!! Yeah, I am sure it's easier for the staff at the lfs to just toss a mouse in to feed the snakes.
I am going to get him used to taking f/t mice then upgrade to the rats.
Thanks Again!!

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