ODEN just ate!

axwielding1 · 07-24-04, 10:44 PM

My new little Borneo, Oden, just ate for the first time for me. Just a little mouse fuzzy. I've had him 2 weeks now, and he's settled in nicely. I followed him around a bit with the mouse before he took it, but when he did, he constricted for awhile before he swallowed even though I killed it for him. I've left him alone to acclimate to his tank, and put backing around all glass sides so he can feel secure. I've kept the heat pad on under the tank, and use a black bulb on one side. Basking is 90, cool is 80-82, and humidity is 60-70%. I cover the screen top with aluminum foil, and put a few holes on the cool side, and cut the hole for the light 1/2" larger than the light fixture for ventilation. 2 hides, 2 waterdishes, and a wet cloth to add extra humidity and another place to hide..
ax.

BigBADace · 07-25-04, 01:59 PM

Nice work, good luck with your new blood

CHRISANDBOIDS14 · 07-25-04, 03:51 PM

Thats good news!

Quote:

I followed him around a bit with the mouse before he took it, but when he did, he constricted for awhile before he swallowed even though I killed it for him.

To me, it sounds you find this weird? Pardon me if I am wrong(on how you say it). My little girld(malaysian) does this all the time. I dangle it, she strikes and I drop it, she will wrap around it for a bit, then drop it after about a minute, sniff it for about 7-10 mins, then begin to swallow. Both my kenyan sand boas do the same thing. Seems normal to me!

Good luck with the little one!

C.

Borneoblood151 · 07-27-04, 06:18 PM

Hey Ax,
Very mice!! Oops! nice. LOL! Good Luck with the new one in your life. It's great isnt' it.
-Angel

Linds · 07-28-04, 12:02 AM

It's always a great feeling when a snake takes their first meal

I would suggest upping the meal size however, as hatchlings are usually started on hoppers or adult mice.

axwielding1 · 07-28-04, 07:32 PM

Yeah Linds, I will adjust the size of prey. I put a rat pinky in there last week, but I don't think he was comfortable enough yet, with his new surroundings, to take it down. This was just an easy first meal.
Also, the comment on the constricting I made was based on my last blood python. She NEVER constricted. She was a "creep up and swallow" type for the most part. So hopefully Oden will have a stronger feeding responce. I must say that Oden (borneo) was much easier to acclimate than my blood was, and I was relieved at the short period before his first meal.
Anyway, he's a good looking borneo, and easy to please...
ax.

whitehorse · 08-08-04, 10:38 AM

Good!

I don't want to break your fun here but I don't trust pythons before they've eaten 3-4 times, and consider them acclimated only after 6-8 feeding. Then with a blood, you'll have a good idea how you are doing when it sheds. Be patient, it's not time to start handling it yet. Quite a few snakes will eat once and then go on hunger strike again.

I bought a blood three weeks ago, tried to feed her one week later and she didn't think too long. I offered her two mice again yesterday and she ate them readily. I'll feel more confident if she eats again next weekend. I plan to begin handling her after 8 feedings. I can't wait to see her shed, it's a good indicator to rate your set up, temps & humidity.

Good luck!

Mark

Read this if you haven't done so already:
proexotics blood python article