First hopper

daver676 · 09-03-03, 06:19 AM

I introduced Sophia to her first hopper last night, and as soon as it hit the bottom of her cage she ws all over it. Of course, I counted my chickens before they hatched. Once she got done "killing" the hopper, she attempted to swallow it tail first, but couldn't get it lined up properly. The tail and hind legs kept getting in the way. After about 10 minutes of trying to get it in her mouth, she just seemed to say "screw it!", and dropped the fuzzy, then went into her hide. Of course I warmed it back up a bit and tried to get her to eat it, but she had totally lost interest. really pissed me off, but thats the way it goes sometimes I guess.

Has anyone else's snakes done this? I'm sure some have. Let's hear some stories!

Dave

mango · 09-03-03, 10:50 AM

I offered mine a small fuzzy rat a couple of feedings ago. She struck it, constricted it, put it in her mouth and then let go. I warmed it up again and offered and she smelled it thoroughly and then balled up. I took the rat out and gave her one of her adult mice which she devoured tail first. I use f/t and I've noticed that if I loosen the stiff joints in the rear a little bit it helps her out with getting it down if she takes it tail first. She'll eat when she wants. Try the "rodent aerobics". It may help her get it going next time. Good luck!

HetForHuman · 09-03-03, 11:09 AM

i feed in a sepeate enclosure.
and mine has only refused a meal once but took it the next day no prob.

ill have to video tape my ball when i take the lid off his feeding enclosure. he just goes nuts, it is awesome to watch.

daver676 · 09-03-03, 11:27 AM

Well I'm still really happy cause this is the second time she has taken food voluntarily, and it was her first hopper. No more assist feeds!

I can't wait to post some pics and show off my girl!!

Dave

mango · 09-03-03, 02:25 PM

I feed my bp in a seperate enclosure as well and she goes nuts when she sees it in position for her to go in. it's almost impossible to get the lid on while i fetch her food.

mykee · 09-03-03, 06:05 PM

My male pastel, almost every time I feed him, eats his rats backwards. You'd think that after doing this 30 odd times for me, he would figure out that the other way would be easier. Oh well, luckily, he always eats it, even if it takes him 30 minutes. Never refused or given up yet. So that makes him stupid, and stubborn....