Not eating

BRB-OC · 01-30-13, 12:37 AM

Well, I'm not in panic mode yet, but concerned. My 8 month old BRB has been a clockwork, once a week feeder. Now suddenly, no appetite x3 weeks. Does NOT look ready to shed. (we've had 3 successful ones since we've had him, so I'd recognize it), and activity outside the cage is normal (moves well, not timid, likes being handled - 10 mins at a time x2 per week).

Any other ideas or things to look for?

Corey209 · 01-30-13, 01:12 AM

If he isn't lethargic there isn't a problem, just try once a week until he eats again.

You also live in California and seasons are starting to change, that could be an issue.

Gluttony · 01-30-13, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Corey209

If he isn't lethargic there isn't a problem, just try once a week until he eats again.

You also live in California and seasons are starting to change, that could be an issue.

I agree with Corey, & sometimes they just do not feel like eating no matter how strong a feeder.

Lankyrob · 01-30-13, 05:55 AM

I agree with both the above, i would just say that if i have a non eater i stop all handling until it starts again, usually two consecutive feeds before i handle them

Snakesitter · 01-30-13, 03:33 PM

Have there been any changes in his/her enclosure/room? These could be climate (temperature or humidity), lighting (more sun?), or traffic (new resident, enclosure moved). If so, chnage it back until feeding resumes.

Have you tried warming the prey more, and offering at dusk or night? All of these can help.

Failing all that, Brazilians sometimes go on hunger strikes for mice. Let the situation go another week or two with regul;r prety offers, and then next time offer a f/t mouse (if you've been feeding rats) or a live mouse (if you've been feeding f/t mice). That often does the trick...but should be your last resort.

Good luck!

Gluttony · 01-30-13, 04:10 PM

I have also noticed in my own colony, many a hunger strike broken by the switching of prey item. Be it frozen or live, a chick always breaks the spell.

BRB-OC · 01-31-13, 10:29 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. Southern California (like so many) is coming out of a real cold spell, so a little bit of "hibernation mode" may have kicked in despite consistent viv temps.
Good news - he ate the day after I posted! I switched from feeding outside the viv to inside. I've always fed at night, but in a tub. (old habit from a Columbian RTB who was very aggressive with live prey, so I never risked feeding inside). But I thought the comfort of home might be the trick, so I just left it in the viv overnight. Next morning, it was gone! Sticking with that from now on. It's always F/T prey, so I'm not worried about a bar room brawl inside the viv.