| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 22/09/2010 : 16:07:52
How long does it take to fully defrost large mice?
Plus, the snake Im getting is on 2 large mice a week should I keep her to that or wait until she's settled then introduce her to small rats. I know they are all different but any advice is welcome
Thanks |
| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| n/a |
Posted - 05/10/2010 : 15:50:44
Hi, that mouse factory site's useful! Thanks!
Yes, I know I need to be getting my lad on to rats soon, but I've got corns.
(... must wear more comfortable shoes ...) |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 05/10/2010 : 14:31:22
I decided to feed her a day early this week (ok, I thought it was tuesday last night lol) since I was convinced she was looking for more last week. I decided to defrost 3 mice incase she wanted it, and she did, took the 3 no problem.
Thing is, Ive been wondering about the mice size. I went into the shop and asked for 10 large mice and said "give me the biggest ones youve got" and I wasnt too impressed but not knowing mice I figured she knew what she was talking about. Orlina took the 3 half an hour apart and was still ready to strike, so decided to look on internet about size and according to this site
http://www.themousefactory.com/rates/rates.html its a good site for size it shows you every size of mouse and rat next to rulers so you get an idea
The woman gave me weaner mice! I knew they looked small no wonder Orlina's been waiting for more and no wonder she's gubbed them in less than 2 mins. Away to shop for more today, proper sized ones and I'll be trusting my instinct more often.
On a side note, I think Orlina's settled. I got up this morning and she was lying on top of her warm hide basking under the ceramic thats the first time she's done it so must be feeling safe. If I go to her viv she freezes, when my wife goes to the viv she comes right up to the glass to see her....wonder what shes trying to say lol
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| nok1888 |
Posted - 30/09/2010 : 12:15:13
I dont think she would manage to take anything bigger than a weener rat. I'll work up slow, a weener and a mouse then if she manages the weener no problem I'll go to the shop and see how much bigger the small rats are. Its all probably me worrying if shes getting enough |
| Blackecho |
Posted - 30/09/2010 : 06:58:16
Some will. They can be opportunist feeders in the wild, go down a rodent burrow, eat anything they can find and then sit there for weeks/months! |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 30/09/2010 : 00:41:22
Since tuesday night Orlinas been lying in her hide with the front few inches of her head and neck out sprung (for the want of a better word) ready to strike and like I said above she fed soon as I went in. Then when it was down she went back to same position, 2 hours later I went with the other mouse took it down then went back to same position. She's came out the exact same tonight and stayed that way for the last few hours never moving except now and again to take a drink then back to the same position. Im sure she doesnt feel threatened because she'd be hiding away if she did eh?
do snakes gorge themselves, to the point of over fill I mean, or do they know when they've had enough? next week Im going to offer a weener rat then if she looks like shes still waiting I'm going to offer a large mouse to see if she'll take it. Its just I dont want to offer too much incase she over eats |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 29/09/2010 : 12:46:31
cool I'll try her next week with one |
| Blackecho |
Posted - 29/09/2010 : 06:57:27
Congrats
Sounds like she could cope with a weaner rat. |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 29/09/2010 : 01:00:32
She never moved in the past couple of hours just sat dead still looking at the mouse so I decided to try her with it and shes took it, what a strike! faster and stronger than the first 1, lets say i jumped a tad lol but thats 2 larg mice tonight so excellent, shes went back to sitting like before I hope shes not looking for more. I definately think she needs upped to rats. I was told to get weener rats but theyre not much bigger than the mice, a little more girth and an inch longer but Orlina swallowed that last mouse in about 2 mins. Not too sure if small rats will be too big or not. If I get her to take a weener rat next time I'll try get a photo to show you size of her compared to the rat.
But yes, Im a very happy dad tonight :) |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 23:54:30
It was a great feeling, especially I think because of her move just on Sunday there I wasnt expecting her to take anything but like I said she had it before I got (what I thought) was close enough to reach. I think she likes her food lol |
| Lettsy1 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 22:35:21
Congrats!!! good feelin aint it! |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 22:33:53
SHE FED WOO HOO!!! SO chuffed, I hardly got the mouse in the viv when she struck for it first time, got it, constricted it then left it for 5 mins going back and forward smelling then finally took it. When Ive watched videos on here or youtube you see them start to eat while coiled. Orlina took it by the head, raised what must have been a 3rd (if not more) of her body off the floor and started moving it side to side taking it right down, amazing!!!
But...lol I left her for a bit then went to feed her a second mouse (previous owner said she takes 2) she struck and missed so I moved it a little and she struck again missed by a mile then I realised it was me she was going for wee git lol lucky Ive got quick reflexes lol so just left the mouse where it dropped until she either eats it or goes into hide then I'll put it on top her warm hide so it heats and leave it over night see if she takes it
Was amazing to watch up close |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 16:47:51
Cool I'll try it tonight |
| Blackecho |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 13:59:33
Should be fine and get the aroma going |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 13:43:55
lol well I'll try tonight. Im going to defrost 2 mice and a rat on top of her viv to give her smells at 6 then warm them at 9 (that gives them 3 hours so I know they are properly defrosted) to feed. I'll try the rat and if she's no interested I'll try the mice if not i'll leave a mouse with her, they said shes a shy eater so could work this way. Im not expecting too much until she settles proper but I'll keep offering every week I heard if you offer too often it can stress them.
One question, I had the idea of defrosting and warming on the viv over where the ceramic bulb is, i checked the temp its at 32C, this will give the food internal warmth. This wont cook it or anything eh? if I keep moving it about it should be fine eh. I cant think of another way of warming without making it too hot
Cheers |
| Blackecho |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 08:19:59
Sometimes I think I've got the signs right, will defrost and then they'll refuse for no obvious reason
Good luck. |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 28/09/2010 : 02:58:41
When I got Orlina they said she probably wont eat for 3-4 weeks as she was like that after a move before but, Ive been watching her and shes been lying with the front half of her head sticking out her hide then came out about 7" and looked liked she was in a striking position and lay like that for a while. Do Royals do this when ready to feed or was she just loafing about taking in the new smells?
Either way Im going to try her tomorrow anyway, Im just interested if they show signs if they're looking to eat |
| nok1888 |
Posted - 22/09/2010 : 19:16:00
Cool cheers m8
I'll hang off changing for a month make sure she's settled after the move |
| python23 |
Posted - 22/09/2010 : 18:26:45
get her on small rats, more nutrients in them |
| python23 |
Posted - 22/09/2010 : 18:26:14
a good hour id say i put them on a cup of boiling water, takes about half an hour |
