Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Thomas Shanta

The oldest of my new Jungles has been feed live rats and has shown no interest in defrost,I'm not too bothered yet as I've only had him a short while but I obviously would like to get him on defrost as soon as,have any of you guys got any tips for switching him over for me please.

Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:26 pm Post subject:

You could maybe start by offering a fresh killed rat if your ok with that or just defrost a frozen rat and heat it up under the hot tap until its nice and warm and try tease feeding..you shouldnt have too many probs as most morelia are greedy feeders..can also heat up with a hairdryer as well just make sure its nice and warm!
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Thomas Shanta · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks Stu,I've tried th hot water and warming with a hair dryer and also winding him up till he's striking and hissing,I think like you said said the freshly killed may be the best option,although it is early days.

Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:44 pm Post subject:

persevere mate..it will take eventually..silly question probably but I presume you are trying at night after lights out?..if not then this is another thing to try..also try leaving it in there after you have hacked him off..he may well take on his own..
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Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:47 pm Post subject:

Also have you seen it take a rat?..or was that just what you were told by previous keeper?..if so try a large mouse as it may be that it wont take mice...some morelia can be fussy about switching from mice to rats...worth a go.
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Thomas Shanta · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 7:59 pm Post subject:

Tried mice as well mate and leaving it in over night,first time I've left a food item in over night for ages and forgot how grim the smell the day after Mad

I know it's not his shedding cycle either cause he sloughed two days after I got him.I shall perservear Stu,patients never has been my strong point Confused

Stuart · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:00 pm Post subject:

How long is it now that you have had him?
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poisonjedhead · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject:

what i found has worked a treat with one of my bridle's and my short tails, when they where at that stage, was placing a defrosted fuzzy in a sandwich bag blown up, placed in hot water for about an hour to maximize stink appeal, then placing kitchen towel in a small Tupperware with ventilation and adding snake and prey item,(sounds like a cooking show) leave them over night with lights off.
this has had pleasing results for me, the idea is that the snake eat the fuzzy as it is i such close perimeter with the stinker and may want more room for its self also the confined space should offer more security.

And here's one i made earlier Laughing

pardon me if you have tried this method, another thing worth considering is braining or as mentioned freshly killed, if that sits with you.

good luck.

BTW any one got any good tips on getting young house snakes feeding as I'm begging to think this little lady I'm dealing with may be wanting lizards and not mice?
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retierd and spending my childrens inheritance.

RoyalCrazy · CaptiveBred Addict! Joined: 03 Sep 2005 Posts: 944

poisonjedhead · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject:

yes this was going to be my next option.

have you used it with success?
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retierd and spending my childrens inheritance.