Snake won't eat - Page 2

EmilyS · 12-20-12, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rachmangler

When I got my first snake he was only 4 months old and it took him about 3 months to eat. He's a BP. Make sure you have great hiding spots with no open ends on both sides (like those half logs) and since he's still just a wee one make sure you just keep offering him food.

F/T or live, whatever you prefer..Leave it in there for him (only leave the food alone with him if it's F/T never leave him unattended with live)and let him go for it whenever he wants. Since he's new to you he probably just needs time to adjust and since snakes feel their most vulnerable during feeding time he's probably just nervous.

If just offering him food doesn't work I would put him in a separate container or even a paper bag and leave him in a smaller space with the meal.

With my first one all it took was a little bit of time and him adjusting to his new surroundings. Just keep offering him food. I prefer F/T and have taken snakes in that were only fed live and got them swapped over in a matter of 3 feedings.

Keep your chin up! He'll start eating soon.

Thanks for the advice!

I would definitely prefer f/t too! Wouldn't it get all smelly after a while, though, if I just left it in there? Is it still ok for him to eat at that point?

I've already got two snug hides, but I think I'll go out and get a couple more just in case (and because I like to spoil my pets!)

**Aaron_S** · 12-20-12, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyS

Thanks for the advice!

I would definitely prefer f/t too! Wouldn't it get all smelly after a while, though, if I just left it in there? Is it still ok for him to eat at that point?

I've already got two snug hides, but I think I'll go out and get a couple more just in case (and because I like to spoil my pets!)

Leave it in for a night. Live pinky is fine too. It has no teeth and can't do anything.

Gungirl · 12-20-12, 05:29 PM

If it is refusing f/t offer a live. It is a good way to jump start a picky eater.

EmilyS · 12-20-12, 07:55 PM

So far it's refused both live and frozen/thawed. The one in the tank now is live.

I would put it in front of a hide, but cutie pie Azazel is always cruising around the tank! He's actually trying to escape as I type- but don't worry, the lid's weighted down!

**Aaron_S** · 12-20-12, 08:03 PM

How big are the hides on the right? They don't look to be tight fitting from the picture so I could be wrong.

If he isn't squished in there, he may not be comfortable. Just leave him be and let him find it on his own. He will eventually.

EmilyS · 12-20-12, 08:06 PM

Sorry, that particular picture was from about a month ago (the other two from just now). Here's what it looks like now:

Edit: the rock-type thing on the left is the one he likes to squish into. There's also a "cichlid stone" behind the pile of rocks.

snakekid6996 · 12-20-12, 08:54 PM

I had this problem too when I got my first snake. Try fresh killed. Take a small needle and poke it threw it's head so it goes threw it's brain. I know this sounds bad, but it actually worked for me... Hope that helps.

EmilyS · 12-21-12, 03:54 PM

Last night the pinkie crawled into one of Azazel's favorite hides. I now see Azazel in the hide, and no mouse, so I think he finally ate!! From what I could see, he had a little lump like he'd just eaten, but I didn't want to disturb him too much.

Now I just hope he actually did eat! If I see a pinkie crawling around tomorrow, I'm going to be pretty upset. Thanks for all the help!!

**Aaron_S** · 12-21-12, 04:17 PM

Go pick up the hide and check. Just be sure to place it again.

EmilyS · 12-21-12, 05:38 PM

I did; the only problem is that the hide is a 'cichlid stone' and when I pick it up the snake comes with it, and its kind of hard to see into the little hole

**Aaron_S** · 12-21-12, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyS

I did; the only problem is that the hide is a 'cichlid stone' and when I pick it up the snake comes with it, and its kind of hard to see into the little hole

You'll want to exchange that for one that you have full access to. Either no bottom or no lid so you're able to get in there for any reason.

EmilyS · 12-21-12, 07:02 PM

Believe me, I'd rather! lol. I'm still setting up the enclosure, and am looking for the right decorations. I had that decoration in the first week because I had it laying around, then took it out because I could never get Zaze out when I wanted; but then I didn't have any good hiding spots, and I thought it might make him feel safer (and more willing to eat), so I put it back.

I just got back from the pet store with new decorations, though, so it's coming out!

EmbraceCalamity · 12-21-12, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyS

Believe me, I'd rather! lol. I'm still setting up the enclosure, and am looking for the right decorations. I had that decoration in the first week because I had it laying around, then took it out because I could never get Zaze out when I wanted; but then I didn't have any good hiding spots, and I thought it might make him feel safer (and more willing to eat), so I put it back.

I just got back from the pet store with new decorations, though, so it's coming out!

You can make some pretty cool hides at home too with some aquarium sealant and whatever's lying around. Definitely saves money.

~Maggot

EmilyS · 12-21-12, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmbraceCalamity

You can make some pretty cool hides at home too with some aquarium sealant and whatever's lying around. Definitely saves money.

~Maggot

That would turn out badly XD

He just came out of his hide in favor of a new one I brought home, and I can definitely see a bulge! Everybody's been asking if he's eaten yet, and I can finally tell them yes!

Now that he's eaten, when do I feed him next? I've been hearing once or twice every 10-14 days, but would just like to double check.

**Aaron_S** · 12-21-12, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmilyS

That would turn out badly XD

He just came out of his hide in favor of a new one I brought home, and I can definitely see a bulge! Everybody's been asking if he's eaten yet, and I can finally tell them yes!

Now that he's eaten, when do I feed him next? I've been hearing once or twice every 10-14 days, but would just like to double check.

I'd go every 5 - 7 days. Feed him probably two more pinkies live before attempting f/t. You want him eating consistently before trying to switch. Also, I would buy a small pair of tongs or hemostats and gently hold the pinky in front of him and see if he'll take it like that. That way when switching to frozen/thawed it will be easier.