Female Arizona Not Eating Yet

[Ladyhawk]

I'm probably just being overly concerned. It hasn't quite been a week, but my female Arizona Mt. Kingsnake has not yet eaten. Probably she simply needs time to adjust to a new home and enclosure, but I'm afraid it might be more than that.

I've been trying to feed thawed. Tonight I got out a knife and performed the grisly task of "braining" a pinkie. She showed zero interest.

I knew the male was ready to feed when he stopped hiding and came out to have a look around. He took a thawed hopper right out of my hand. I have to admit I got a bit of a charge out of that!

The female is much more shy. Most likely she just needs more time to adjust, but I'm worried she may need live prey. Her former owner fed her live hopper mice, but I'd really rather not feed live for a variety of reasons.

Input?

[crimsonking]

Give her live the first few times, then "fresh dead" (still warm), gradually working up to f/t. Key is to get her to show some feeding response first. If she's older than say a hatchling,however, you may also ask the former owner what time of year she "shuts down" Many pyros will not feed (usually)after the summer months, but he may have a heads up for you. Give her some time to adjust to her new surroundings too.
:Mark

[marisa]

I wouldn't have even tried feeding yet, some of my snakes have taken up to a month to adjust to new homes. But at least the male has eaten! Don't worry though. Its better in the long run to wait out what you think may be too long, then try too soon. :D They can go quite some time without food. Just awhile ago someone posted about a cornsnake (not the same species as yours, I know) that hadn't taken a meal in 7 months and started eating again just fine. So remember that and it will help!

I woud listen to Marks advice and also try leaving her 100% alone (no handling, no peeking, no cleaning) for 7-10 days and then offer something. Try also covering up the sides of the enclosure as well during this time. This has worked big time for me.

Marisa

[Ace]

Try also covering up the sides of the enclosure as well during this time

My Knoblochis a year old and I still have to cover her feed tank before she'll even look at her mice. Just give her some time, she'll get there ;) .