A few concerns

limey · 11-30-12, 11:10 PM

Hi guys, I'm back. Haven't been on in a while!

I have a few concerns concerning my BP, Tammy.

She about 5-6 months old now. And I've not had any issues with her at all up until about 6-7 weeks ago.

First thing I noticed was her left eye. It looks like there is a small indentation there. It doesn't go away after shedding, so I'm wondering whether it is self-inflicted from a fall or knocking it against something.

I initially thought it may be dehydration, but after trying the wet pillowcase, larger waterbowl and regular bath ideas it didn't clear up. It is also not mites. Her right eye looks perfectly fine, clear, everything.

The second issue is feeding. She hasn't fed in about 6 or 7 weeks and hadn't poo'ed or shed in that time either.

Now, at the 3 month point, I switched from F/T mice to F/T rats. She took them fine. Now she won't. I've wasted 8 rats trying this.

Maybe time to go back to mice or try another approach?

Temps and humidity are fine. I've tried to keep things consistent the whole time I've had her.

Any input appreciated. Need to hear from somebody with more experience than I.

Terranaut · 12-01-12, 12:56 AM

Well they eye usually means humidity is to low. No food for a couple months is nothing. No poop for a few months is usually nothing. Now the 3 together at the same time might indicate a problem. Please post humidity and temp numbers and how you measure them. 6 months is a bit young for seasonal hunger strikes.
Need more info here. Pics maybe?

**lady_bug87** · 12-01-12, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terranaut

Well they eye usually means humidity is to low. No food for a couple months is nothing. No poop for a few months is usually nothing. Now the 3 together at the same time might indicate a problem. Please post humidity and temp numbers and how you measure them. 6 months is a bit young for seasonal hunger strikes.
Need more info here. Pics maybe?

^^ This

But I also wouldnt switch back to mice. Is she losing any weight?

KORBIN5895 · 12-01-12, 10:07 AM

Is she in a spot that she can get natural light?

limey · 12-01-12, 10:23 AM

Temps are:

Ambient: about 78 - 80
Hot: 85 - 90
Cold: 74 - 76
Humidity is always 50 - 65%

I use the decent digital thermometers as recommended on here. I also have one of those that you hold in your hand and touch the surface for a temp reading.

I may however need to give her a bigger water bowl to soak in, she's outgrown the one she has.

Yes, she lost a tiny bit of weight since she stopped eating but she doesn't look unhealthy or anything. I used to feed her every 5 or 6 days one large prey item.

The eye dent just looks like a regular eye dent. I see pics on the internet of them quite a bit.

KORBIN5895 · 12-01-12, 10:52 AM

I would definitely bump the humidity.

Lankyrob · 12-01-12, 11:02 AM

Bump the humidity up by 10% snd 20% during shed. Also you cold end should never go below 75. 78 is better

limey · 12-01-12, 11:12 AM

Nah, she just shed a week ago guys. I had the humid up to 75 at that time. It's back down now though.

No feeding response still

limey · 12-01-12, 11:36 AM

What I'm going to do is get a big waterbowl today, one that she can totally submerge in - up the humidity a little. Up the cold side temps slightly and also buy a few F/T mice.

We'll see how that goes and if any changes...

Terranaut · 12-01-12, 10:03 PM

Your temps and humidity both low. Up them both and skip the mice. Always stick to rats.
It may take a few weeks before the effects of a more controlled humidity are seen. Misting makes humidity spike for short periods then back to dry. Be sure to use a moisture holdin substrate. I also control the room humidity so a mist once a week keeps me over 70% all the time in my royals viv. I keep the room at 50% with a cheap humidifier on a greenhouse fan controller. Good luck. Should all be fine with corrections and a bit of time.