Issues with Mice...

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

I have an Eastern Black Necked who I caught around two years ago, in my garage. I've been feeding him(?) minnows for the majority of two years now, and he's still extremely skittish, especially when it comes to handling. Recently I've tried to convert him to mice, with no luck. So far I've tried wiggling it around (He's so shy he hasn't even tried to bite it) and pouring minnows in a strainer and setting the mouse in for a few seconds to try and scent it... He hasn't touched it, I don't think, although I did see a spot of blood on its nose... Probably a scrape.

Any recommendations? Also, do they sell bottled fish-scent or something like that?

~EBNMort

[guidofatherof5]

It would be best to get him off minnows as soon as possible. Is this an adult mouse you are trying to feed your snake?

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

It would be best to get him off minnows as soon as possible. Is this an adult mouse you are trying to feed your snake?

I'm trying to feed him small hoppers, about 6 centimeters long.

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

(Posted twice, sorry.)

[RedSidedSPR]

Minnows = BAD. Stop feeding them. They contain Thiamnaise (B1 definciancy).

I would stop feeding him minnows for like a week or 2, and continue scenting the pinky (it's gotta be pinkies btw) with the minnows and offering that. Just rub the minnow on the pinky and feed it. The hunger (from my feeding the fish) should make him much more open to the pinky. Always works for me

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

Minnows = BAD. Stop feeding them. They contain Thiamnaise (B1 definciancy).

I would stop feeding him minnows for like a week or 2, and continue scenting the pinky (it's gotta be pinkies btw) with the minnows and offering that. Just rub the minnow on the pinky and feed it. The hunger (from my feeding the fish) should make him much more open to the pinky. Always works for me

Thanks! That clears it up. I haven't fed him many minnows this week, so I'll try again in a few days and reply. Do I need to wiggle the pinkies around?

EDIT: They were hoppers by the way, not pinkies. I'll try with pinkies.

[RedSidedSPR]

Not necessarily but depending on the snake, it could help. How do you normally feed him?

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

I normally give him 10-16 minnows in a water dish every 5-6 days.

[guidofatherof5]

Cut up a minnow so you have a nice scenting mix. The more blood and guts the better.
Some snakes have issues with new food because of the "mouth feel" so you have to over power that feeling with scent.

[EasternBlackNeckedMort]

Can I freeze the minnow, and then thaw it? <:\ Also, should I roll the mouse in it afterwards?