Is this normal? - Second feeding

Sapphyr · 02-11-11, 10:43 PM

Ok, so, it's Friday and time to give Xybe his second feed since I got him. Now, I've noticed his eyes are beginning to whiten, as if he's about to go into shed, so I was skeptical about him eating. Thankfully, he was interested... but... I couldn't help but feel his behavior wasn't normal. I'm thinking I should be concerned, but I'm not sure. Sorry about the lengthy videos, but I just want you all too see how he acted and tell me what you think. Thanks!

PS: He seemed more intrigued in inspecting the food than actually eating it, honestly.

NennaMeerkat · 02-11-11, 10:55 PM

My hoggie investigated her food a lot like that. Though she only did it with live food. She would roll and push the pinkies around. Only difference is after a while she would just leave and go under a hide. If it was frozen she wouldn't even investigate them.

How normal is it for snakes to "play" with their food, but I do know that as long as your snake is eating and isn't regurging it afterwards you should be okay. I also know that some snakes just don't eat when they are in the throws of shedding.

Sapphyr · 02-11-11, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NennaMeerkat

My hoggie investigated her food a lot like that. Though she only did it with live food. She would roll and push the pinkies around. Only difference is after a while she would just leave and go under a hide. If it was frozen she wouldn't even investigate them.

How normal is it for snakes to "play" with their food, but I do know that as long as your snake is eating and isn't regurging it afterwards you should be okay. I also know that some snakes just don't eat when they are in the throws of shedding.

Mmk then. I just thought he seemed a tad lethargic what with just lazily taking it from my fingers. I guess it may be the shed that's causing his behavior. :> And ya, I know about the shedding and eating thing. I was surprised he was interested with his eyes looking more 'milky' than when I first got him. The edges of his scales are lined with a whitish cover, so I'd say almost any day now and he'll be having his first shed, at least since I've got him.

Reptile_Reptile · 02-12-11, 03:08 AM

it looks to me like he is just nervous or annoyed at you up in his face with a camera and keeps getting distracted

percey39 · 02-12-11, 05:13 AM

I have a few snakes that will not strike at all no matter what when it comes to feeding. Some of these species have a reputation of being highly aggressive feeders, but mine will just come up to their food on the tongs really slowly. Then they will just open their mouths and wait for the food to be placed inside their mouth. I can also help these snakes whilst they eat, they are quite happy for me to adjust the legs on their rats so its easier for them to get down. When you think one is a olive python and the other two are mulga/king browns this is quite rare for them to act this way. Every snakes is different, but i enjoy feeding these 3 more than my others. As i find it very interesting to not even get a hiss when i touch their tail while they have a mouthfull of food.

Jenn_06 · 02-12-11, 07:00 AM

how warm was its food? my GTP will just smell the rat if its not the right temp but when i run hot water over the rats head the GTP strikes and eats it.

Sapphyr · 02-12-11, 07:26 AM

Well last time I used my phone, he was extremely interested in the mouse more so than my cellphone. He's never seemed to be bothered by my recording or taking pictures of him. And, I also tried to feed him without recording him a few times and he just kept nudging it like,"What is this? Do I want it?" So, I wasn't sure what was wrong(besides the fact that he's almost ready for a shed).

As for warmth? It had just gotten out of some heated water. Was sitting in the hot water for about 10 - 15 minutes. Now, since he did strike the first time(just couldn't figure out what to do from the side), I thought maybe it had gotten a bit cold since I took it out and put it back in for a few minutes. He did seem just a little bit more interested, but not 100%, he'd still nudge it. After a few times he, as seen, kept nudging it and eventually just opened his mouth and slowly grabbed it.

Anywho, maybe he's just feeling a bit lazy since he's got his shed about to start. Or maybe he just felt a little lazy, considering how Percey described some snakes worked with.

Tommyg · 02-12-11, 09:30 AM

i cant say anything for your snakes but all my ball pythons stopped striking they just start eating but every third meal or so they strike so hard they slam into the side of the bin so who knows....all i know is my snakes are healthy so if your snake is healthy i wouldnt be worried

infernalis · 02-12-11, 10:00 AM

I can honestly say that my snakes all have varied responses to food. Some will inhale anything I give them, others have to be locked in a small tub with food for a few hours.

as previously stated, if the food is in the snakes belly, then all is good.

Sapphyr · 02-12-11, 01:36 PM

Ok then. I was just worried his behavior may have been a sign of being ill or some sort. Glad to hear it's just a snake thing!

Snakesitter · 02-15-11, 05:20 PM

As has been noted, every snake is different in their approach to food, and that approach varies even for that individual according to shed cycle and other factors. I have some that would attack a mouse-scented brick, and some that turn up their nose at all but fresh-killed and still twitching. Others prefer it be cold and abandoned, like morning-after pizza. ;-) So long as he eats and keep it down, you're probably doing fine.

Lankyrob · 02-15-11, 06:14 PM

My pscho retic will strike at his heat bulb as soon as he s mells defrosted rat. Sooo glad the guards are there!!!!

Sapphyr · 02-15-11, 07:53 PM

Ahh, well then I guess he felt particularly lazy after the initial strike. Glad to know it's nothing to be concerned about. I think he's shed now, though I can't find the skin... but he's doing well. Really enjoys hiding under his water bowl... is that a bad thing?

and LOL, that's funny Rob :> Glad he doesn't burn himself.

Lankyrob · 02-16-11, 03:58 AM

Just wish i could open the viv to photograph him doing it but if i ded that he would probably eat the camera!!

Snakesitter · 02-16-11, 04:54 PM

"Kodak moment"?