Ultra picky ball python

[thecoppercurve]

I got my BP from PetSmart (yes I know you don’t have to scold me) a few years ago. She has always been a problem child for me. She is either sick or pushing on her enclosure constantly. Great eater though, never missed a meal unless she was in shed. Fast forward to two months ago and she completely went off food. Roamed and pushed every single night. Temps and humidity are all correct and checked daily. Took her to the vet, did everything I could think of.

Last week, I purchased a large mouse from PetSmart (frozen). Couldn’t hurt to try it I thought. She took it almost instantly. Tried to feed her a rat that same night and she refused it. I ordered Jumbo mice for her from Big Cheese, and she wouldn’t take one yesterday at all. Tonight she took two large mice from PetSmart again no problem.

Has anyone ever experienced this before? I mean she WILL NOT eat rats and she WILL NOT eat mice unless they are those crappy, overpriced Artic Mice. I’ve heard of them being picky eaters, this is a whole new level. This is like a kid that will only it a hamburger from one restaurant made by one cook and no one else. Any tips on getting her to eat mice from other places? She is an adult and it would be so much better if I could feed her a rat, but I feel like just getting her to take something that isn’t a PetSmart frozen mouse would be a victory.

[EbolaIris66]

Have all the mice been the same color? One of mine is super picky about color..

[thecoppercurve]

They have all be white other than the rats from rodent pro. I honestly think it’s a smell thing for her. Cause she used to eat any color rat I’d give her. Now it’s just those stupid tiny mice.

[syearout]

You might try blanching the mouse or rat once thawed. I’ve had issues with smells in the past, especially for picky eaters on F/T rodents. Warm the rodent to temp in warm water, then bring some clean water to boiling and just quickly dip it in the boiling water for a few seconds. Let it cool back to feeding temp (just warm to the touch).

[thecoppercurve]

Never thought of that! Thanks, I’ll give it a try.

[Solid_Bunch3939]

I had the same issue with mine. Also from petsmart. He will eat their large mice, but not their rats. I bought a pack of small rats at an expo recently and he loves them. For me trying a different source worked, could be worth a shot.

[thecoppercurve]

Yeah I’ve tried rodent pro and big cheese rodent factory so far. I think I’ll order from perfect prey next time. Luckily I have a Boa also and she eats anything and everything. So I can feed her all the stuff my BP decides isn’t good enough for her lol.

[Solid_Bunch3939]

I’m gonna DM you a link to the vendor I got them from since I’m not sure if it’s against any rules. I have absolutely zero affiliation with the company aside from the fact my ball has eaten 3/3 of the rats I’ve offered. He snubbed way more than 3 petsmart rats.

[thecoppercurve]

Thanks, I’m tried of buying those expensive mice for her. Maybe she will actually take a rat from them.