New guy hasn't eaten yet...

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 09:07 AM

So I purchased my little normal male on July 26th. He was 3wks old at the time. Since then he has been offered food twice, but will not take it. Offered once before his shed, then once after. Is it normal for them to go a few weeks without eating at that age? He acts afraid of it...first attempt he just tensed up and went into a ball, trying to avoid it. Second attempted feeding he did a false-strike and hissed at it, then tried to get away. I don't know if maybe he's afraid of the tongs? I've got it good and humid in there, and his temps are about 86 warm side, 75 cool. I don't want the Boaz ordeal all over again...he was a nightmare when I first got him...

moshirimon · 08-08-12, 09:11 AM

try to place him in a feeding container and leave a dead rat in there with him. try using a brown or balck rat rather than white.

it's been said that this causes more of a natural feeding response in balls, as they are not used to seeing white mice by nature. not sure if it's true.

If this all fails try buying African Soft fur rats. Balls LOVE them. and if you're living near the GTA I know a breeder that will deliver if you buy more than $50 worth. they are very cheap.

snake man12 · 08-08-12, 09:13 AM

Those temps are a little low try to put them up a few degrees. Also try putting the food on a plate overnight.

MoreliAddict · 08-08-12, 09:17 AM

If we're talking about a Ball Python (you didn't specify) your temps are a bit low. Was it already taking f/t for the breeder?

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

Those temps are a little low try to put them up a few degrees. Also try putting the food on a plate overnight.

Will do. What should I up the temps to in your opinion? Also, if I leave it on a plate overnight won't it just get cold? I understand BP's need warm food to stimulate them to feed...heat pits 'n's all...

snake man12 · 08-08-12, 09:17 AM

Yes it was in the regius forum. 88 to 92 warm side cool should be 79 to 82. Good luck

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 09:20 AM

Yes, he is a BP, hence why I posted in the P. regius forum. He was on live, I'm trying to get him on f/t. Should I go back to offering live?

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snake man12

Yes it was in the regius forum. 88 to 92 warm side cool should be 79 to 82. Good luck

Thanks. Gonna go adjust the thermostat right now.

CK SandBoas · 08-08-12, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Yes, he is a BP, hence why I posted in the P. regius forum. He was on live, I'm trying to get him on f/t. Should I go back to offering live?

I would offer live for maybe 4-5 feedings, then offer pre killed, and if he takes that for 4-5 feedings, then you can offer f/t again. If he was 3 weeks old when he was sold to you, at most he probably only had one meal, correct?

MoreliAddict · 08-08-12, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Yes, he is a BP, hence why I posted in the P. regius forum. He was on live, I'm trying to get him on f/t. Should I go back to offering live?

Get that hot side between 90-95 degrees, while keeping the cool side between 75-80 degrees.

I wouldn't give in and offer live just yet. Though if it makes you feel better, that's very likely the reason it won't eat. I only buy snakes that are regularly taking f/t for this reason...

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KKgal

I would offer live for maybe 4-5 feedings, then offer pre killed, and if he takes that for 4-5 feedings, then you can offer f/t again. If he was 3 weeks old when he was sold to you, at most he probably only had one meal, correct?

He had 2 meals at the breeder. When I bought him it was obvious he was fed recently, could see a nice bulge in his midsection.

Lankyrob · 08-08-12, 11:14 AM

AS he has eaten previously i would be even less worried, just leave him be and offer food every 7 days, maybe try leaving the FT rat on a plate overnight so that he can eat in complete peace and quiet.

Terranaut · 08-08-12, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lankyrob

AS he has eaten previously i would be even less worried, just leave him be and offer food every 7 days, maybe try leaving the FT rat on a plate overnight so that he can eat in complete peace and quiet.

This is what I would do. No live. No African Soft fur. Just feed him every 7 days and fix the temps. Sometimes adding more cover in the viv can help. Toss in a couple extra small hides. Good luck. He will eat again don't worry.

**Pareeeee** · 08-08-12, 02:08 PM

Thanks everyone. I will try to rig up an extra hide too.

woahamie · 08-08-12, 02:26 PM

I haven't fed my snake yet, but the ones that I take care of at work only eat if I just leave him in a feeding tank and a f/t pinkie and a dark towel over it. Works 98% of the time! BP's are special, haha.