Fussy eater

[nickamon]

Hi Everyone,

my spotted python Cassie is a year old now, and big enough to start eating rat pinkies. I offered her one last night, and she refused it. I understand that rats are meant to be more nutritious than mice, so I'm keen for her to eat rats.

I'm going to try scenting the rat with a mouse. Are there other tried and true tricks you guys can recommend?

Thank you!

[grimbeny]

• I want to get my python to eat rats, but he is addicted to mice.
  This is relatively easy to fix. First start by feeding two Adult mice, one after the other. When your snake happily accepts this, thaw out one Adult mouse and one Hopper Rat for his next meal.
  Feed the mouse first, and when you get to the last big gulp to swallow the back legs of the mouse, place the head of the rat in the snake's mouth. Generally he will keep on eating as if its just a really long mouse.
  Repeat this about 4 times, and then your snake should readily accept rats.

I copied that from this website http://dolittlefarm.com.au/faq.htm it has worked for atleast 2 people on here

[SnakeWrangler]

I have never had to go past scenting the rat with a mouse, that should work. If that doesn't work you try feeding a small mouse and then offering a rat immediately afterwards.

[nickamon]

Thanks you guys! Good to have a plan B, if scenting doesn't fool her.