Feedings - Page 2

TeamSlitherin · 06-22-17, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannybgoode

Don't get too hung up on prey weight. I am reasonably certain snakes don't gave scales in the wild. So long as it is not overly large or indeed too small it won't be an issue. I've weighed a prey item precisely once and it told me nothing my eyes couldn't so haven't done it since.

It is also often best to leave a finicky eater well alone except for routine water changes etc. No constant checking on it, lifting its hide etc. This adds to stress which can compound the lack of desire to feed.

Also make sure the snake has plenty of hiding options - at least 4 hides at different points in the enclosure.

Try offering food once a week and see how it goes...

Thank you, as always, Danny! She currently has only 2 hides, but I just realized that her main one is probably too large to make her feel secure. She only uses it about half as often as she just burrows underneath her substrate or under her water bowl. I think I will trade it in for a couple smaller ones and see if that makes her more comfortable. Thanks!

TeamSlitherin · 06-22-17, 04:00 AM

As suspected, Nagini did go into shed (or, as I call it, "demon mode"). Once she sluffed her skin, I thawed a rat fuzzy and left it with her for a couple hours. When she ignored it, I decided to try my hand at this braining thing. It didn't impress her. I left it for several more hours and ALMOST removed it from the cage, as I didn't want to have to clean up 16 hours worth of rat brains putrefying in a hot-spot overnight....Luckily, I went ahead and left it and it was gone by morning! Hallelujah!! 32 days of food strike ended and we're starting all over again.

TeamSlitherin · 07-21-17, 03:29 AM

And start all over we did. She's on Day 35 and counting now. Maybe I should try offering every 3 weeks instead of 2. I would feel like a horrible mother if I only offered food every month to a 166 gram snake, but maybe that's what she wants. WHY WON'T SHE JUST TALK TO ME?!?!

**EL Ziggy** · 07-21-17, 08:35 AM

They know what they want and as long as she's healthy I say let her have her way. No point in wasting any feeders.