Milk Snake Questions

GarterPython · 02-13-13, 10:42 PM

Hey I know that I'm just worrying to much but my Pueblan Mill Snake will not eat and on the sheet that shows all f his previous meals he hasn't eaten for almost 2 months. When I offered it to him he did not show any interest what so ever and my dad said to try an feed him in the next 2 days and if he doesn't eat he is just going to take him back. He doesn't think a snake should go off feed that long but anyway do you have any suggestions of why he isn't eating or maybe a suggestion on how to get him to eat. And he is on Frozen thawed pinkies. When I offered it to him he literally just ran away to the other side of the cage and started to burrow.

infernalis · 02-13-13, 10:44 PM

A very nervous species, have you left food in the cage overnight yet?

**Aaron_S** · 02-13-13, 10:47 PM

Also, you can attempt live.

I believe live mice are allowed in Alberta. Just not rats.

GarterPython · 02-13-13, 10:53 PM

Yea Id rather stay away from live and on the sheet it also said they tried feeding live and he just hid even more. I havent tried leaving it over night. Does it have to be over night or can I just leave it for like 5 hours during the day.

**Aaron_S** · 02-13-13, 10:56 PM

I'd try over night. Try feeding in the evening as well. These are very nervous snakes as Wayne mentioned. Very skittish so they probably feel secure in a smaller place.

I'd also wait 4 or 5 days between feedings and live is better than nothing.

You can also leave a live pinky in overnight. Maybe place it in a very shallow tub or something so it doesn't get buried or anything.

infernalis · 02-13-13, 10:58 PM

Milk snakes are inherently nocturnal feeders, leaving a dead hopper mouse overnight will not harm a thing, and your results will be better overnight.

I always feed my milks at night.

GarterPython · 02-13-13, 10:58 PM

Nah I think that feeding it live would give my dad even more reason to get rid of it. I will try the overnight thing and see if that works.

Edit: Okay thanks Wayne I was posting at the same time as you

bcr226 · 02-14-13, 11:09 AM

To avoid substrate ingestion, we feed ours in a separate container. He's still on pinkies and we put the pinky in then put him in. He was shy at first but now, he doesn't even wait for us to put him in the container. He'll grab the pinky while still in our hands and be perfectly happy eating it while being held. LOL

It takes a bit of time and regular, gentle handling. Once they come around, they are a real pleasure to interact with.

Leave the food in with him over night and he should eat. He'll come around soon enough.