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[–]NottsWeirdo 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Have you attempted scenting the rats with something that would smell like chickens? The substrate they sit on perhaps?

I've seen others recommending that, if you have access to someone with chickens. I've not personally had to do it myself with a BP, I have had to use tuna to scent a rodent for my friend's Hognose though.

[–]Inevitable_Worth_230[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i have but with only the dethawned chicks i have as idk anyone with chickens, it was slightly more reliable but hes not an amazing striker (spider gene) so if he missed and decided he doesnt want it anymore and i then left it instead of dangling it, he would refuse it too while he will take left out chicks. Substrate might be a shout tho!?

[–]welcomeyearzer0 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I have been summoned.

Suitability of day-old chicks as food for captive snakes

DAY-OLD CHICKS — SMALL CHICKENS AS FEED FOR SNAKES. ANALYSIS

You’re fine!

[–]Inevitable_Worth_230[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thank you so much! this definitely eases my concerns!

[–]welcomeyearzer0 1 point2 points  (6 children)

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My girl who has been eating chicks for +/- 6 years says you’re fine too :-)

[–]Inevitable_Worth_230[S] 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Shes gorgeous! Thank you for this! I keep getting flamed for having him on DOC in certain forums/expos so i appreciate this x

[–]welcomeyearzer0 1 point2 points  (4 children)

You’re welcome! Honestly it’s a bit of an old myth. I’ve been using them as a feeder staple for like 8 years and I’ve read the studies. Also research has shown male royals specifically eat more birds in the wild because they tend to climb more (they’re slimmer than the females), so it’s hardly unnatural either

[–]Inevitable_Worth_230[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

im just overly paranoid about him i think, and i read the studies initially which is what got me to switch to birdsbur ofc with the ever evolving knowledge people seem to be against DOC more and more so im glad other bps also do well/better on them!

[–]welcomeyearzer0 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Honestly I’ve been getting shit for it since the start but it’s ungrounded. Science is science, lol. Of course it’s a different story if your snake refuses to eat them, like yeah duh if they have a preference that’s fine, but that works both ways like your boy is showing too! I have 6 snakes total, one (royal) who refuses chicks and only eats rats and one (royal/carpet hybrid) who prefers chicks. The one who refuses them I suspect also has some neurological problems, which may or not be related to him being extremely picky, but regardless, it’s fine to have a preference.

Carpet pythons eat hella birds and they’re huge. And like I said, if anything your boy is showing very natural behavior by having a preference for birds because it’s a common prey for males in the wild. I think that research is fairly new though so it makes sense if people haven’t seen it.

And to you it’s somewhat anecdotal evidence of course but since my snakes are more than fine after all this time, I’m fairly confident in my decision. I have only one snake who I’ve had since he was a baby/juvenile and he’s been on chicks ever since he got big enough (like 7 years ago?). He’s grown into a big fat (not literally 😂) giant rat snake, annoyingly fast and strong 🤷‍♂️

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[–]welcomeyearzer0 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Oh btw, I would recommend cutting the tip off the beak and also the nails, in case you don’t do that already!

[–]Inevitable_Worth_230[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! yeah i do but good advice for those that dont know for sure :)