rat snake problem

Snakeman8 · 09-28-12, 05:00 PM

i have a 4 week old greenish rat snake (blackxyellow) thats not eating, can anyone hep me find out why?

Kingsnakechris · 09-28-12, 05:14 PM

How long ago did you get it? What are the temps in his cage?

Snakeman8 · 09-29-12, 07:03 AM

got her three weeks ago, the tempatures are as they should be, but when we put the food in there, she tags it and goes under the news paper, but not before trying to tag me.

Terranaut · 09-29-12, 07:06 AM

Has she even shed yet?
Wait for first shed then first feed.
Defensive strikes mean your stressing the snake.

Gungirl · 09-29-12, 07:22 AM

I know you say the temps are good but can you tell us what they are? How are you heating the tank? what does the set up look like? How often are you handling it? What was it being fed prior to you getting it? How was it being fed said prey Item? All of these are important questions we need answers to so that we can help you out.

Kettennatter · 09-29-12, 07:27 AM

I had a similar problem with a young rat snake. Defrost a pinky, warm it with a blowdryer, brain the pinky, put pinky and snake in a paper lunch bag, place the bag into the enclosure at room temperature, close the enclosure. Then wait overnight.

Snakeman8 · 09-29-12, 04:00 PM

i temp the cage at least 82-83, i feed her pinkies and she shed a week ago, i handle her often (trying to get her used to me), she has a water bowl,a small tree/rock she climbs on, and a hide box. shes also likes to bite everything that moves.

rmfsnakes32 · 09-29-12, 05:09 PM

If she wont eat then you need to stop handling her until she has two consistent feeds she is very stressed out thats why she is striking you every chance she gets and leave her alone for at least 48 hours after eating then offer a meal every 5 to 7 days. Sorry if I sound harsh not trying to but for yours and the snakes sanity let her get a chance to relax in her enviroment

Skumbo · 09-29-12, 06:13 PM

Get two hides, one on the warm side one on the cool side of the cage.

Then, leave the snake alone. wait for her/him to shed, then feed it. My second question is - you got the snake at a week old? Thats pretty young for buying a snake. Many snakes wont eat for a month or two coming out of the egg, especially if they haven't shed yet.

Also - if it hasnt eaten before, it's not sure what food is yet, so you may be stressing it out - especially if its tagging its food but not eating it. It feels threatened by the food, and thats the last thing you want is a snake afraid of mice.

Snakeman8 · 09-30-12, 06:57 AM

thanks! u guys have been very helpful.

Skumbo · 10-01-12, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman8

thanks! u guys have been very helpful.

Let us know when you try to feed next if you're successful! Nothing feels better than a stubborn snake taking to a meal, makes you feel like a good parent

Snakeman8 · 10-01-12, 04:08 AM

gave her a pinkie yesterday, all she did was drag it around the cage.

Kettennatter · 10-01-12, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakeman8

gave her a pinkie yesterday, all she did was drag it around the cage.

I would feed it outside of the cage, or inside the cage in a paper bag, possibly overnight. Sometimes it helps to block all other forms stimulation. Did you try warming and braining the pinkies yet?

rmfsnakes32 · 10-01-12, 10:11 AM

You could also try a deli cup with some holes in it and leave it over night in its enclosure

Terranaut · 10-01-12, 10:58 AM

Yeah. Just leave it alone. Let it sit overnight and check it in the morning. The snake is probably trying to take the prey away from you watching. Be patient and I will respectfully disagree with feeding outside the enclosure. Its a waste of time an effort.