Can i switch my snake from eating live mice to dead mice?

I have been feeding my ball python live mice can i switch him to eating frozen mice? If so how do i do this.Can i switch my snake from eating live mice to dead mice?
Its possible, and make sure to experiment with it. An easy way to get the snake to make the transition is to start feeding him fresh killed rodents. It may cause you to feel a bit morbid, but if it is fresh killed, all the natural body heat remains in the rodent's body, and to the snake it still seems alive.





Once the switch has been made, the method of thawing the rodent goes somewhat like this:





Place the frozen rodent into a plastic bag and submerse into a bowl of water a bit warmer than room temp. Once the rodent has thawed completely, you can move on to the process of warming. I would suggest warming it with your heat lamp as that is a good way to find the right temps. If you feel like a quick warming a hair dryer set on low will get the job done. But make sure not to get too close to the rodent with the dryer or it will smell burnt, which can deter the snake from eating it. A mouse's internal body temperature is about 98.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be measured to a relative temp with a regular household thermometer. Its not necessary to be right on with the temps so once again, feel free to experiment. Once the rodent has been warmed, grab some feeding tongs or hemostat and grip the rodent by either the tail, or the nape of the neck. I would suggest by the neck, as it looks more natural, and gives the snake a clean shot at the head.





The truth is, some ball pythons can be really rough to switch, while others can take frozen thawed at the first glance. It all depends on the snake really. I would say that going from live to f/k (fresh killed) to f/t (frozen thawed) would be the way to go. But like I said earlier, feel free to experiment with it. Change it up. Good luck!Can i switch my snake from eating live mice to dead mice?
Of course you can, although you might have to make sure its heated, just put it in a bag and in warm water until its roughly body temp. Then wiggle it in front of the snake with some tongs. Generally the snake wont care, but if it does, you can try to train it to eat frozen, by getting a live smaller mouse/rat (rats are much better - less fat - more nutrients) and feeding that first, then using a dead one second while the snake is still in 'feeding mode'. It might take a few tries of that before it will readily accept dead food. You should never use live food, it can fight back and cause massive problems for your snake. Infection even death. Frozen or pre-killed all the way.
Hi Austin, I am usually extreamly lucky in switching from live to frozen, hopefully you are too with my help.


Ball pythons as you probably know are picky but I think you can do it no doubt actually!





1st your snake needs to be use to feeding with tongs- If it is, great! If not, try feeding live with tongs.





2nd Once he is use to it, you can get a frozen mouse or rat and defrost it. of course, best way and LUCKIEST way is to warm it with your heat lamp!!!!****





It will be beyond perfect for you ball python.





3rd. Once is thawed and heat up, try to be fast and feed it!I





I got to tell you, all my ball pythons have been successful in switching following this rules!





Good luck Austin!
Yes you can.Buy frozen mice from your local pet store and when its feeding time,put the frozen mice inside a ziplock bag,use lurk warm water to defrost(make sure the mice is defrosted completely,the warmer the stronger the smell for the snake).Either leave the mice inside the cage or use tongs to put the mice in front of your snake.


NEVER USE YOUR HANDS TO HOLD THE MICE IN FRONT OF A SNAKE!





If you can't get a hold onto any frozen mice you can order online:





www.rodentpro.com


www.micedirect.com


www.feedermiceunlimited.com


Hope I'd help
You can but shouldn't they are predators not scavengers, respect that. If you are afraid of the prey item use tongs, if you are afraid of injury to your pet use hopper mice or large fuzzy rats.Respect the natural programming and allow instinct to prevail!
Yes, but the main difference is the heat.


Since the food inside the snake is still half alive (Or fully alive, who knows, eh?) it gives heat to the snake...so I'm not sure how you can heat it before giving it to him. Maybe someone else knows...i think a microwave might just make the mice go splat lol
Yep, thaw them out in warm water, use tongs, dip them in chicken broth, and hold them in front of the snake with the tongs, when he's good and hungry.
if u have forceps grab it by the tail and move it a round in front of ur ball python