Boa constrictor feeding schedule - Page 3

bigsnakegirl785 · 06-12-13, 04:38 PM

So, should I just clean out his enclosure the day before, so it's already cleared and ready for him to eat? I mean, he's never wavered in his feeding response even a millisecond from handling him before, but if that's what's causing it now, I'll definitely change it.

Lankyrob · 06-12-13, 05:17 PM

I feed all my snakes on the substrate, i also used plates for a while but they do drag the rats off onto the substrate anyway so now i just throw the rat in and leave them to it

KORBIN5895 · 06-12-13, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

I feed all my snakes on the substrate, i also used plates for a while but they do drag the rats off onto the substrate anyway so now i just throw the rat in and leave them to it

This is also solid advice.

Starbuck · 06-12-13, 06:51 PM

if you thaw the rat dry (not soaked in hot water, it should pick up less substrate. Keep in mind that wild snakes do not have clean glass and paper towels to place beneath their prey

I think you will encounter far fewer feeding issues if you feed him in his enclosure. Obviously, you know your snake best.

When i feed my snakes, i just toss the f/t mice in and walk away. I spot clean throughout the week, but i only completely change the bedding etc once every few months.

Ddub · 06-12-13, 07:26 PM

2-3 hours may not be enough time. Most of mine eat immediately but there are a couple that will wait hours before eating. One in particular will sit there with her face right by the rat for sometimes 8 hours or more before finally eating it. Privacy or light may be an issue as well. Try covering the cage with a towel or sheet and just stay out of the room and give 'em some time. For his next scheduled feeding you may even want to push it back a couple weeks. If he's healthy it certainly won't hurt him and it will really build up his appetite and help him to want to take it.

rocknhorse76 · 06-13-13, 10:02 AM

My snakes are all on cypress substrate, and they all eat in their enclosures.

Jack C · 06-13-13, 12:43 PM

The morning of feeding night I sweep all the substrate to the back and sides of the viv, leaving a big clearing to feed him on, granted I have a big viv but it might work for you too.

Jack C · 06-13-13, 12:45 PM

Your boa has the exact colouring as mine, mine I was told is a pastel boa, I didnt pay much for him but would like to know if yours is just a normal?

bcr229 · 06-13-13, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ddub

2-3 hours may not be enough time. Most of mine eat immediately but there are a couple that will wait hours before eating. One in particular will sit there with her face right by the rat for sometimes 8 hours or more before finally eating it.

She must be the sister to my adult male normal. A few months back I gave him his f/t rat at 7 pm, checked when I went to bed at 11 and he hadn't eaten yet, woke up at 6 the next morning and checked on him just in time to see the rat's hind legs disappearing down Mr. Picky's throat.

bigsnakegirl785 · 06-13-13, 03:19 PM

Alright. I guess I'll need to get a hair dryer to warm it up. I'll update everyone next feeding time whether he takes it or not.

And Jack, I really have no clue. I got him from a small pet store near where I live now, and since I'm not breeding I didn't bother to ask for breeder contact info. I paid $65 for him, though, as a normal, including the supplies I got with him. As far as I can tell, he's a normal.

Starbuck · 06-13-13, 03:32 PM

Another thing you could do it fill two plastic bags with some hot water, and sandwhich the rat in between. And/or some of those kicrowave gel packs (for sore muscles) and use that to warm it up. Let us know how things work out!

Lankyrob · 06-13-13, 04:28 PM

Or lace the rat on a plate on top of a radiator, then just before feeding press the skull against the radiator directly to give a real hot target on the head.

bigsnakegirl785 · 06-14-13, 04:03 PM

We don't have any radiators, but I do have a hair straightener. I could put its head against the outside of it, and clean it off afterwards.

KORBIN5895 · 06-14-13, 05:18 PM

A hot target isn't as important to a boa as it would be a python.

waf · 06-14-13, 08:42 PM

I agree not to take him out for feeding, I´ve never done. My case is a little different, I feed my boas in their enclosure, don´t have any problem with the bedding, because I use newspaper, also, I raise my own rats, I slaughter the rat in front of the enclosure, while my boa is looking from inside, so, when I get the rat into the tub, 2 seconds and zaz!