first shed and feeding

[Chris F.]

My burmese is approximately 2 weeks old. I tried feeding him yesterday but he ignored the mouse. He has the appearance today that he is beginning his shed cycle. Do they normally wait until after their first shed before taking their first meal? I know their reputation for being excellent feeders and I just want to make sure everything is normal. Thanks in advance....chris

Here's a pic of him

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/507/656hector-med.jpg

[boas_and_such]

yes it is normal for them to wait til' after they shed to eat...im in the same boat, i've got about a 1 1/2 to 2 week old and he hasn't eatin' yet either...but i don' think he's shed yet because he still has his "belly button"...anywho! yes it is normal and somewhat expected for them to wait!

[Chris F.]

mine still has his "belly button" also. is this a sure sign that he hasn't had his first shed? thanks...chris

[CARLiTO_]

You should only feed after the first shed. If he is showing signs of shed, then feed him after. I am sure he will scarf the mouse down. I would suggest feeding a rat pup instead of an adult mouse as they are better nutrition wise.

[Chris F.]

OK, he just now had his first shed and i offered him a just thawed meal and he ignored it. I had removed him from the cage to get the shed skin out so maybe he was stressed? Should I try a live one first instead so he can get the scent of prey association? Right now he is in his hide on the hot end and the mouse is right outside the hide. I suppose I'll leave it there for a couple of hours and see what happens. Any suggestions? Thanks, chris

[Chris F.]

well, he didn't take it so i tried a live one. he tracked it for a couple of minutes then nailed it. now that he knows what his prey's scent is would it be a good idea to try thawed again next feed? thanks, chris

[BoidsUnlimited]

Great looking Burm. Good luck with him and enjoy him while hes that size.....it doesnt last long at all :)

[Chris F.]

thanks for the compliment. any thoughts on my question about getting him to eat prekilled/thawed? thanks....chris

[skinarama]

I would try f/t as soon as poss. Its just that much easier keeping food inthe freezer than alive. My burms took about 3-4 months before they would eat f/t. Good luck!

[Chris F.]

thanks for the tip....chris