Baby won't eat.

[tjohnson722]

First, let me start out by saying, I'm not new to snakes. I've read the forums on not eating. I've even responded on a few on another forum I'm on. I've waited a week before offering food. I don't hold him much unless its to check his belly from the yolk sack being open. Hot side is 85 cool around 78. Humidity is around 60. He is in a tub.

Now, I got him on May 19. Today was the third feed attempt. We've tried about every 5-7 days. Minimal holding. His belly was still open from the yolk sack, was told he ate, but I don't think he has yet. First, I tried a pinky bc of the open area didn't want to stretch it open further. That has since almost closed up. Tried a rat pup last time didn't eat. Left it in there for 2-3 hours nothing. Tonight I tried a fuzzy. I even brained it. He doesn't even act interested. Is there anything you would suggest to get him to eat?? I'm awfully worried at this point because he is a baby.

Another thing, his tub is opaque so I can see in there. He is in our bedroom so not a lot of traffic. However, usually (like my 6 other snakes) will use thier tongue flicks. I have NOT seen him do this. Ever. I don't want to pry his mouth open to look but I'm worried.

We were recommended this breeder by a friend. They said he was great. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to give all the info I could. This is my first baby baby snake as I have never bred and bought mine at least 12 weeks old. Thanks for reading.

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[satomi325]

What size tub is he in? Does he have any hides? And the hot side should be closer to 90. How much does he weigh?

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[tjohnson722]

He does have 2 hides. I'll turn the heat up on the enclosure. I read babies like slightly cooler temps that's why it was lower. I don't have a digital scale. It's been ordered but I never thought I needed one bc I don't plan to breed now. So I honestly have no clue. He is tiny though. No more than an inch thick at biggest part.

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[pigfat]

The best luck I've had is feed live the first time....I even had to do that with my retic, and they have great feeding responses.


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[AK907]

The best luck I've had is feed live the first time....I even had to do that with my retic, and they have great feeding responses

Definitely! Get them established eating first.

[greg728]

I would feed it live prey. That's worked for me every time I ran into a stubborn eater. It may not eat the first attempt either, it may take a few tries.

[tjohnson722]

All of these were live prey.

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[sho220]

What kind of substrate do you have him on? If you have him on newspaper or paper towels, I would try one of the more natural substrates.

And what did the breeder tell you he fed him?

What time of day/night have you been trying to feed? If you've been trying during the day or early evening, try feeding later...

You can also try putting the snake and a pup in a brown paper bag, inside the tub, and leaving them overnight. I've never had any luck doing this but some have. A similiar trick is to wad up a bunch of newspaper and put it in the tub. Again, I've never had any luck with this trick but it is supposed to make them feel more secure and sometimes helps stubborn one's to start eating...

There are several things you can try before resorting to assist feeding...Sometimes babies can be a pain to get started...

[tjohnson722]

I'll try that brown bag. I do have him on newspaper but I will get natural substrate tommorrow. I have tried evening and daytime.

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[sho220]

I'll try that brown bag. I do have him on newspaper but I will get natural substrate tommorrow. I have tried evening and daytime.

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I would switch him to aspen and try again with a hopper mouse...