Hard Time Feeding Sand Boas

[PsychoSnake]

I seem to not have the magic when it comes to feeding sand boas and would like some advice on getting them to feed more regularly for me. I've tried cupping, leaving overnight, and live. Live usually works but I prefer not to for the usual obvious reasons. I feel like I just stress them out too much so they don't want to eat.

I have two yearling KSBs and I'm babysitting my dad's sub adult smooth scaled sand boa.

[chairman]

To feed my rough scaled sand boa I need to:

1. Wait until after sunset.
2. Thaw mouse.
3. Rinse mouse.
4. Place mouse in 100F water.
5. Put 100F water in a tupperware that has a lid with holes in it.
6. After mouse and tub are warm, dry both.
7. Add mouse to tupperware, then boa, then put on the lid.
8. Place container in the cage, turn off the lights, and check back in the morning.

To get to this point I had to add chicken broth to step 4 for a while to scent the mouse. I also learned that since the boas dislike water so much they won't touch a mouse that is wet. A little damp, yes, but not dripping.

Hope this helps.

[Tiny Boidae]

Just to add. When I first got my sand boas it usually took them a month-ish to get feeding. Some were more stubborn and after braining, scenting, and leaving overnight didn't work, I could usually get them to take it by simply pressing the snout of the mouse to the snout of the snake and holding it there. They'll back up for a moment and try and move their faces, but I just follow with the mouse to the best of my ability and they'll begrudgingly take it.

Edit: a few things to add...

Most of my sand boas eat better inside their cage with the lights off and no one around to watch. I just dance the mouse ontop of the substrate near them, or sometimes I just leave it in there and not worry about it.

I have a female though who was fed outside of the cage until she got to me, and as such she will not eat the mouse if it has a lot of substrate on it. She'll spit it out and start licking her lips trying to get the Aspen/Eco earth/what have you out. I have a tubaware lid that I place upside down on the substrate with the mouse ontop of it and she'll eat no problem then.

[Andy_G]

What's the husbandry? Temps, humidity, age and size of snake, cage size. Also, do you have water in there at all times, or do you only offer sometimes? We can suggest lots of things, but can't really accurately help you out without knowing these things.

Chairman...I have never ever heard of someone who had to go through that many specific steps to get their sand boa to eat. Sorry for your luck! :/

[chairman]

In fairness to my snake, all I had to do was cup him until he hit adulthood. That's when he got a little more particular. But in reality all I'm doing is creating a warm dry cup for him to eat a warm dry mouse in.

The steps just make it easier to replicate.