Help!

[tai_pan1]

I need some help! I have two young female corns that I got at the same time. I got both of them on October 2nd and they are both 2002 hatchlings. They fed right off and continued to eat every 4 to 6 days. They both ate often and would take two pinkies each about half of the time. The last time they ate was November 4th and I have been unable to get them to eat since. I've tried all of the tricks that I've seen mentioned here in the forum. I placed them each in a deli cup over night with a pinky. The next morning both pinkies were still in their cups. I tried braining pinkies, I've tried holding them firmly in my hand with the pinky in front of them, and nothing has worked. I've even resorted to leaving two live pinkies in the cage and they have now been in there going on two days. One has died and I've already pitched it. The other is not far behind. Both snakes are still very active at night, after the lights are out, but they have totally ignored the food. What bothers me is that they were both such good feeders, and they both stopped at the same time. I have the warm side of the cage around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cool side around 73 degrees fahrenheit. Humidity is probably a little low due to the heat being on, but one of them shed a week ago and it was a perfect shed.

Does anyone have any other tricks to try? I know I need to be patient, but it is all very frustrating.

Any advice will be appreciated,

Mike

[Blazin]

I have heard of people dipping the heads of the pinks in chicken broth. Also for some picky eaters I have placed them in a small brown paper bag with the pink and gotten them to eat. You might want to start thinking about getting a pinky pump also. Hope this helps.

[Tim_Cranwill]

Maybe they just want to be cycled....

[Lisa]

I've found our Corns are more likely to eat if we handle them for 15-20 min before feeding... i don't understand why but that's the way it seems to work.

our largest corn actually eats out of our hand while we hold her...

[Jeff_Favelle]

Yep. Good observation Cranwill. Its LATE in the season. Real late. Probably time to brumate those things man. Provided they have adequate weight/fat reserves.

[stormyva]

Are you measuring the temps at the top, bottom, or middle of the cage?

[tai_pan1]

bottom of the cage with the thermometer laying on the substrate.

[BoidKeeper]

Separate them and put them in a much smaller cage. Two or more hides, fresh water and a warm spot of at least 85. Then make sure they are in a low traffic area of your home where they are not going to be exposed to any light when the sun goes down. Then don't touch or go near them for a week at least. At that time try feeding them inside their enclosure. This should do it. Part of the problem can be caused by trying too many things at once, which can cause stress. They need privacy and security.
Good luck,
Trevor
:cool: