Getting worried for IJ pls help...

[ranmasatome]

Hi all,
just wondering if anyone can help me with my IJ. is it normal for them to fast for like 4 weeks?? i tried to feed him 4 weeks ago and he doesn't want to eat. This guy is generally shy and would not eat hand fed...but everytime i leave the mice in the enclosure he eats it for sure...last few weeks have been different....he didn't eat for the first 2 weeks because it was due to his shedding...but after the shed i tried to feed him mice and he didn't eat it...then i thought maybe now that hes bigger i can try feeding small rats..and i did the following week and again it was not eaten....i looked at him and he was fine no signs of any diseases at all and humidity and water is alright as well...i can't figure out why hes not eating...usually he eats abt. every 8 days....i'm just getting worried cos i love this guy to death!! hes just so SUPER tame and great!...pls help..any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks guys!

Ranma
p.s. how big are your enclosures for a 5 foot IJ?

[Zoe]

Hi,
there could be a number of reasons. If he's never taken rats before, then it's possible he doesn't know it's food and isn't interested in eating a rat. I'd say that's the most likely reason. Try feeding him a mouse, or check out http://www.moreliaspilota.com for some tips on getting him to eat rats and let us know.

4 weeks is nothing to worry about, try feeding him some mice and see how it goes.

My enclosure for my 5ft female is 3 x 3 x 2

Zoe

[Burmies]

I agree with Zoe in the fact that 4 weeks is nothing to worrie about. It is alright to let you snake go without food for about 3 months, then I would start to worrie. Now about the enclosure, I would go with a 4 x 2 x 2.
If you haveany questions or comments fell free to pm me or e-mail me.

Thanks Burmies

[Zoe]

While it won't kill a healthy snake to go off feeding for 3 months, it isn't "alright" to let it, unless it's being cooled or is gravid. As this animal is young, it would be best for eat weekly. 4 weeks isn't anything to worry about, but 3 months would be.
So yeah, try a mouse and see what happens... my bet is he'll take it.

Zoe

[ranmasatome]

Thanks guys! i'll try feeding him tomorrow with a juicy yummie mouse..:) and will let ya know. i'also thinking of switching him to rats soon...hes getting big...:)

[Lasher]

I have one Dumerill's Boa that has not eaten in about 3 months. I took him to the vet and she said that as long as he maintains his body weight, he will be okay.

[JIMI]

you tried mice already didnt you?

do you feed live, pre-killed or thawed? if you always use the pre-killed or the thawed.. try a live rat pup. they're big enough to be a good meal and has always worked for me by at least the 2nd or 3rd attempt. they dont usually accept rats the first time anyways. but dont let him fast! it's not bad for his health really but it'll stunt his growth for sure.

JIMI

[ranmasatome]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!!:)
anyway i fed him last night and HE TOOK IT!!! YAY!!! he was like..."hey...don't bother me..i'm basking" then "hey...whats this smell?? YUMS!!!" then i just lef the mouse there and 5 mins later when i came back the mouse was gone!!!!:) i haveta take some pics and post them soon...thanks again!!:)

[Zoe]

Congradulations!!! So happy to hear he ate it :D

Can't wait to see pics!

Zoe

[Herp guy]

congrats , im glad he ate it.