Butler's problems...

[Zephyr]

I've been trying to switch my butler's over to a f/t mouse diet, but I'm having a few problems. I scent the mice, they grab the mice... And they just don't seem to hang on. I think may have something to do with their specialized teeth. Any suggestions on how to keep it in their mouth?

[adamanteus]

I sometimes find that if you (pretend) to try to take the food off them, they grab on a bit harder. As they do if another snake tries to steal from them..... So just pull it away from them, see if they bite.

[Zephyr]

But then grab onto it weakly in the first place, almost as if the teeth don't get a grip on the pinky itself. Perhaps the hair has something to do with it?

[anji1971]

I'd try James' suggestion as well.
It's gonna be a bit tricky because from what I've read, Butler's diets are exclusively worms and leeches in the wild. They're probably wondering what the heck you're trying to feed them!!!

[Zephyr]

I unno... The female actually took some salmon today. I left it in a small dish and the next thing I know she's munching on it! :P

[SpyrotheGartersnake]

try scenting the pinkies with the food you normally feed them

[Loren]

I sometimes find that if you (pretend) to try to take the food off them, they grab on a bit harder. As they do if another snake tries to steal from them..... So just pull it away from them, see if they bite.

Thats what I had to do with my couchii at first- it was like a kid with a toy- didnt want it until someone else tried to take it away. I very gently tugged on it, and he would keep swallowing, just so I couldnt have it.
I was also scenting them. Rinse them and scent them heavily at first, then stop rinsing, then just scent the front half of the pinky. It should start to accept the new taste as food.

[ssssnakeluvr]

my butler's back in the 80's ate fish with no problems. should take pinkies ok, try smaller one, will be a little easier to swallow.

[Zephyr]

I don't know if it's a matter of acceptance or if it's just the fact that they can't grip the pinky.