How long would you wait before giving up?

[FkNdRk]

That is basically is the question. I aske because I have had a little Hogg Island male for about 4 months now. I have offered every imaginable prey and I know that her husbandry is spot on (all my other various critters are flourishing quite nicely). How long would you wait before saying it is failure to thrive and put the animal down? I should add that he only weighs about 90g so I cant imagine he is big enough to live to long without food like a larger snake could.
Thanks

[BigJ]

Putting it down?!?!

There are MANY steps before you think of something like that!

First off, what have you offered, and in what ways?

Second have you tried any live?

Third, what are your exact enclosure conditions?

Lastly do you have any pics of him so we can get an idea of how small he is? Just because he is young doesn't automatically mean that they can't live long without food!

[luvmyballs]

Please don't put it down. Make sure you have tried everything. If you are still having problems maybe you can find somebody who may have better luck. I lost a snake once that refused to eat.we tried everything including taking him to a reptile specialist. I feel your frustration. Good luck

[FkNdRk]

Oh no I wont put my little guy down, not any time soon. I have a breeder friend that has feed him against his will. I've offered rat pinks (live and ft), mice (live and ft), hell I even offered one of my wifes hamster babies. I will have to take a picture of him later, he currently in my friends rack. Figures I didn't want to add stress of moving him back in forth so he is there. 50ish humidity, 75-80 ambient temp. 76-80 on cool side, 87-92 on hot side. Idk this little Hogg has me stumped.

[luvmyballs]

Oh no I wont put my little guy down, not any time soon. I have a breeder friend that has feed him against his will. I've offered rat pinks (live and ft), mice (live and ft), hell I even offered one of my wifes hamster babies. I will have to take a picture of him later, he currently in my friends rack. Figures I didn't want to add stress of moving him back in forth so he is there. 50ish humidity, 75-80 ambient temp. 76-80 on cool side, 87-92 on hot side. Idk this little Hogg has me stumped.

Well it certainly sounds like you are doing eyerything right and you are trying everything to help him. It sucks when you fight like heck to keep them alive and they still won't eat but now if anything happens to him you can rest assured knowing you gave it your all. The corn I had couldn't be saved but a friend had same situation and one day it started to eat and never stopped. Good luck and keep us posted.

[DooLittle]

Please don't give up! Snakes can be stubborn, and frustrate you so please keep trying. Double check all husbandry, try not to handle until he is established eating. Keep offering different type, size prey. One of these times something is going to work.

[Evenstar]

Actually, while your temps are within the right range, if they are fluctuating by that 5 degrees, it is a roller coaster ride for your snake. You need to keep the temps stable. Boas generally like slightly cooler temps than balls. I would recommend an ambient temp of 78 and hotspot at 90 and no higher. And boost the humidity by 10% or so.

Boas are usually eating machines. Have you taken this snake to a qualified herp vet? There are some medical reasons why a snake will refuse food, including parasites or birth defects. Don't assume your boa can't have one of these issues just because you got him from a reputable breeder or because you can't see the problem. At this point, I would take him to the vet to rule out something of this nature.

[boadaddy]

Any updates on this ill boa? have you taken her to the vet or at least a stool sample to get tested?