Baby Milk

[Stigmata]

Hey ther, my name is Sky and I recently bought my first snake (Hypo Honduan Milk Snake) I've had her since Sunday and today I tried to get her to eat and she hasn't really attempted. She's acting completely normal so I'm wondering if she just still needs time to mellow? Perhaps she ate the day I got her and still isnt hungry? Her cage is much much bigger than what she was in at the store, is it the size? I tried putting her in a shoebox, in her cage, with just the pup and she still didn't seem interested. I can tell she's going to shed soon, does that have to do with it??...basically I have no idea and am just requesting to be enlightened. )
Thanks sooo much

[infernalis]

Newly acquired snakes usually require some time to settle in before they will eat after moving to a new home. This is normal.

try in a week.

[Lankyrob]

Welcome - defo leave it a week to settle into new surroundings - also some snakes won't eat when they are due to shed.

You say the cage is much bigger than it was in before - i assume you have plenty of hiding places for the snake? If so then it should be fine once it has settled.

[dragunov.762]

how big is her enclosure? if it is big, 15 or more gallons for a baby milk snake is huge (thats 2' x 1' in case you don't know the gallons), make sure that there is tons of hiding spots. i have noticed that it doesn't really matter how big the enclosure is (as long as it is big enough) as long as there line of sight is broken up and they don't feel exposed. but if the snake does not feel secure then it wont eat. i would also have to agree with Wayne that it is probably just not ready to eat yet. give it some time and you wont have a problem with it

[infernalis]

I have kept baby milks in very small (shoe box size) enclosures for extended periods, they almost always "live" in the hides.

[Stigmata]

Yes, Her tank has plenty of hiding spaces as well as thick bedding for her to tunnel around and burrow (which she loveees doing). I figured it was just because she's new still, the pet store just told me to wait a few days, which I did, so I just wasn't sure if that was enough time or not. Her temperment has changed quite a bit since we first got her. Before she would dart right under her bedding if we tried to grab her, now she still squirms but it's def more mellow (although I think since she's a milk she's still incredibily active) so I'm thinkin a week should be enough time for suree. Should I attempt to put her in a shoebox again for feeding? I don't want to feed her in the cage because I don't want her to get any bedding in her mouth.

[blkjkoknhrt]

I agree with the gang, give her about 3 days in between attempts and don't bother to move her to another container. also, if you're handling her much, that may put her off. Don't handle her for a few days then try. How about a pic?

[king216]

yea i would wait a week, most snakes refuse food while in shed

[Stigmata]

She's still in shed and still hasn't eaten but I'm not worried about it since you guys have stated many snakes don't eat during the shed
The skin is starting to flake more on her head but I haven't noticed the opaque stage just yet.
how long does all of this noramlly take? She had barely just started when I first got her.

[derekcm87]

Im not sure if this is what your asking but incase it is...... once they turn opaque they will then clear after a few days of being opaque, usually 2-3 days i have noticed. And about 5 days after turning opaque she should shed. Also should have a shed in one peice, none left over. You said she is flaking? Hope this helps?

[derekcm87]

and other than needing to settle in probably being part of the reason? She may never eat while in shed. Even my retic, who has an insane feed response will turn down meals if offered while in shed.

[marvelfreak]

If the skin starting to flake you need to up the humitidy. You could mist the cage lightly a couple times a day.I always do this when they're in shed and i get a perfect shed every time.