Feeding problem

[John9k]

Hello,

Has some of you know I recently purchased a carpet python (4 months)... I have posted a few pics couple months ago..

I am having an issue that is starting to worry me.

The snake was a great eater, it ate within 30mins when I took it home for the first time. It was eating one fuzzy per 5 days. It was time to give it 21day mice, but I decided to go to rats instead...

I was well informed about the potential issues of carpets and rats, but now its gotten a little out of control...

I tried to feed it a rat (scented, brained and left for a day with live mice, fresh killed and live) nothing worked, I even skinned a mouse and made a little shirt for the rat, nothing!

But thats not even my problem, now it wont even eat mice! He has not eaten in 6 weeks.... It ignores anything I put in front of it.

It has not lost any weight, but at its size it only a matter of time. Does anyone know what to do?

-My temps a perfect
-Humidity is controlled
-Snake a cool and warm spot
-Plenty of hides and plants to hide in
-I have not touched it in 3 weeks besides when I try to feed...

Thanks!
John

[Lankyrob]

It WILL take a rat when it is hungry enough, only offer rats at 14 day intervals and dont. Disturb the snake bar spot cleaning and water changes in between, he can go a long time without food with no ill effect :)

[John9k]

Its not in danger even at such a young age?

[Becky Goings]

Our carpet just started eating for us. We got him in November, and he didn't eat for us until 2 weeks ago. We offered every time we fed our others, and he just eventually decided it was time to eat. I'm new to herping, but it sounds like you're doing everything right, and he's just not in the mood to eat right now. Hang in there, and I'm sure you'll get some great advice as soon as Shaun or one of the others sees this. :)

[Lankyrob]

Shaun had a hatchling from the egg not eat for ten months - as long as it isnt losing condition then it will be fine :)

[alessia55]

He'll eventually eat. So long as he your husbandry is spot on, his behavior is normal, and he isn't losing weight, you don't have to worry yet. Remember to wait 7-10 days between feeding attempts. Attempting any more often than that can stress the little guy out. Good luck & Keep us posted

[John9k]

Thank you all for the great answers, once again this forum proves to have quality members :)

I was indeed trying to feed him too often according to your answers, I have been putting food in front of him every third day... I will give him 10 days before I try again.

Should I push forward with the rats?

John

[Lankyrob]

Personally i would stick with rats, again unless he starts to show worsening condition, every ten day sounds good too :)

[millertime89]

giving the rat a mouse coat? dang... that's dedication man. I would push onward with rats as well, unless like Rob said he starts showing a worsening condition.
Something else to give a shot, try scenting with unsalted chicken broth, it worked for someone else on here not too long ago.