Dumerils question

msubigdawg · 12-21-04, 04:03 PM

Does anyone ever have problems with dumerils eating. I have had mine for a few weeks, it has shed and crapped. I just tried to feed it a mouse and it struck a couple of times but would not hold on and constrict. It seemed as if it struck more out of aggrivation than hunger. He is about 3 months old and his temps seem to be right on, low 80's to high 80's gradient.

Thanks in advance

bistrobob85 · 12-21-04, 05:28 PM

Does it have a lot of hidding spotts? It is probably just nervous and would like to ambush-hunt... Thats how i started mine... I tried a substrate in which it would burrow and then wait for the rat pup to crawl by and kill it. Don't feed it live mice, feed him live rat pups if you have to ( its safer for the snake because the rat pup cant really bite ). Good luck!

cnb · 12-21-04, 08:28 PM

That seems to be the #1 problem with baby dumerils. What i have learned is that they like a shoebox type cage when small and they like to hide in aspen shavings. The best thing with some is not to handle them much until they are well started and secure with their new home.
Also some maybe hard to switch from mice to rats. or from fresh killed to fresh thawed. I had one who would only eat with the lights out. I hope this info might help. Good luck.

msubigdawg · 12-21-04, 09:53 PM

thanks, I will try these suggestions and keep you all posted.