Stubborn Spotted Python

[Prognathodon]

I got Wonambi, my spotted python, back in September (2015 baby), and she has not been a good feeder. But, I think I've finally figured out how to get her to eat!

She needs the smell of blood, and not just the little bit you can get by squeezing it out of f/t rodents. A couple weeks ago, after she refused a pinky, for no reason I can explain I offered her a headless pinky (broke off when frozen). She actually struck at it, which is really unusual. I popped another pinky in her mouth as she was finishing the headless one, then followed it up with the head (wanted her to get the nutritional content).

Next feeding day we tried braining her pinky. Nope, not interested, not even with her snoot and tongue right in it. Cut nose tissue off - yep, she'll take that, and a second one I tucked in as she was finishing #1.

Last night I started with taking a bit of nose tissue off. A couple tongue-flicks and she took it. And again I got her to take a second, un-mauled one.

Three successful feedings in a row is a record for Wonambi, and I expect her to shed any day now. (Based on her previous record of occasional eating being followed by shedding - I can never tell when she's in blue, I just find a shed in her enclosure).

So, it appears that my little girl has a lousy feed response, and needs a strong blood odor to get it going. When she ate in the past it was usually after being handled for a while - I think the food odor accumulated enough to get her mildly interested those times. She does better about taking second ones, but I still have to almost put them in her mouth.

Here's my little trouble child in action. Yes, I've been feeding her in-hand, because that's what it required (hold pinky in front of her nose for extended period and hope). I may try feeding in her enclosure eventually, but for now I'm going to stick with what works! When she gets bigger I'll just have to make sure she's holding onto my wrist instead of my fingers.






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