No F/t for my Dumeril's. :/

[ErikBush97]

Hi. I tried feeding my Dumeril's F/t for the first time Thursday, no luck. She did strike but I came back later and found the rat, and just left it there over night. No luck. Tried again today. No luck, leaving it in there for the night... I spent $110 on frozen large rats, which was actually very stupid because I just assumed she'd take it. I really don't want that money to go to waste :( she's showing behaviorism of hunger (roaming around het cage, kind of edgy/jumpy, etc). I was suggested to feed live, and then immediately feed F/T afterwards so I'll try that. Any other suggestions to get her on F/T? Previous owner fed ONLY live so this will probably be a challenge, or I may never get her on F/T.

[Kid Boa]

When I switch my Boas from live to FTs, I'll put them in a Rubbermaid/Sterilte tub. I make sure the rat is nice and warn and they normally strike it. I then simply put the lid on and cover it with a towel for about a hour, when I come the rat is gone and there is s lump in my Boa. :)

You can also try this the same way but with a brained rat.

Hope this helps.

[Snakesitter]

^^ Good advice. ^^

[MDT]

I can't speak for others, but the method I have used: I thaw the rats in a baggie at room temp. Once thawed, I then immerse baggie in hot water for about 10-15 min. I then offer the rat with loooooong hemostats so i can "wiggle" it around to simulate movement. I have had good luck with this. After a while, I don't really need the simulated movement, they just become acclimated to the thawed rat and eat it, often with minimal or no constriction.

[bcoop1234]

I've seen on the net a trick or 2. I had the same issue with a baby boa and i just put a really warm f/t into a brown paper bag with the snake. I checked back a couple hours later and the rat was gone. I also heard people talking about a step process, but they were referring to ball's which i guess are even more finicky eaters. Step one was to feed a live one off tongs and i guess this person said they always strike... The second step would be tough for me, but it was to get a live one and kill it yourself and then right away do the zombie dance in front of the snake. Then if he takes that the next time try a true f/t and hopefully he will take it... No idea if it will work just trying to help. Good luck.

[nick654377]

to get my dumerils onto eating ft I had to try a few methods. I used to boil chicken for my meal plans and when I was done boiling the chicken I would dunk the thawed rats head into the hot water and that is what worked for me. since then I can just drop a rat in any of my tanks and any snake will take it no problem.

[Hurrok]

Along with warming the rats like stated above, don't offer everyday as that can end up stressing the snake. Just try feeding normally on a schedule (every 7 days) until they start feeding again. They have to get hungry soon enough anyways and usually take the f/t :)

[ErikBush97]

Thanks, everyone! I'll go ahead and try those methods!

[Snakesitter]

I completely agree, once every seven days is the feeding schedule I use. Not everyone eats every day. If they refuse, however, they [almost always] must wait until next week.