How do I feed a Ball Python pre-killed mice?

Question

I have a newly aquired female ball python, who is accustom to eating live mice. I have bought her a frozen one, which I plan to thaw. I know how to get her to bite, but I'm wondering if I should move her to a separate container to feed her, or try it in her cage. My sister had a python that she moved to a separate container to feed, and it ended up that every time the snake saw the container, she started striking at anything that moved. This is what I'm afraid of happening. On the other hand, I don't want her stiking at me when I go to get her out of her tank... So if you can, please help me...

Answer 1

just feed it in the cage bro i do it to my to much hassle to bring her out and than bring her back in just throw the mice in watch her eat it and thats it u good.

Answer 2

Feed it in its own cage.

Feeding the snake in a separate container won't do anything to prevent bites- that is a myth, started by somebody who obviously doesn't understand snake behavior. All you will accomplish by disturbing the snake in that way will be to throw it off feed, if it is the least bit finicky.

Present the dead rodent on forceps or a hemostat, WITHOUT disturbing the snake. Jiggle the rodent in front of the snake, and tease it into striking. If the snake is in it's hide box, jiggle the mouse in front of the opening.

I have been keeping Ball pythons for years, and they very rarely miss a feeding.

Answer 3

Ball Python are really picky eaters if it has ate live before it will NOT eat Pre-Killed Mice/F/T. Feed the python in a different tank or shoe box/Cardboard box. It won't strike you. Your sister's python may have been attacked by a live rodent in a seperate conatiner so it will start being defensive. You really should buy a live hopper and feed it. Trust me it won't bite you. Make sure the snake is supervised when feeding live rodents!! It can bite the snake if it gets to hungry.

Answer 4

Thaw the mouse in hot water for about 5 minutes.   Make sure you feel it to be sure there are no cold spots.  Then just before feeding, soak it for 30 seconds in very hot water.  Snakes are attracted to heat.  

It is recommended to feed it in a separate container.  Make sure you wash your hands well so they don't smell mousy.  

If you handle the snake regularly, it won't associate every pick-up with feeding.  Don't handle a snake for 48 hours after a feed.  

If you feed in the snakes enclosure, they may eat substrate accidentally.  Also, they will associate hands with food.  Always used long tongs (I use wooden ones) for feeding.  Wiggle the mouse just in front of the snakes nose and make the snake move toward the mouse.  Don't try to tap the snake with it.  

Proper temps and humidity play a big part in ball python feeding problems.  Parasites can also cause problems.  A good check up by an experienced herp vet is a very good idea.  Feeding live prey always poses a high risk of injury to the snake.  Live prey also carry many more parasites.  

Here is my favorite bp site:

http://www.kingsnake.com/ballpythonguide...

Answer 5

Try give it live mice because they will not prefer to eat something already dead but they will eat it. Also it will kill it her self and then eat it but if you put it the on the other side of the container she will most likely not strike you unless she is super hungry. So unless you wont to then you don't have to switch containers when feeding it.

Answer 6

try a shaking food dish it works very well

Answer 7

always feed snakes in separate containers...this way they dont associate things coming into their cage as possible food (such as your hand or fingers).  i have 2 ball pythons now i put them in their feeding tub first and then put their food items in and they dont start getting excited until a few seconds after they are in their feeding tubs.  

one of the snakes i have been able to get onto frozen thawed food items the other i have not been able to.  the one that does eat frozen thawed though i just heat the thawed mouse under a heat lamp for a few minutes and then drop the mouse in like i would if it were live.  then i take some feeding tongs and wiggle the mouse a little bit then the snake strikes it and squeezes it for a second.  

another thing...anybody that owns snakes will eventually get bitten...its just a given.  ball python bites dont hurt all that bad...you feel it a little bit but it really isnt bad...

good luck!!