My boa won't eat.

[Jonnyboy98]

I got him about a month ago. They said he was eating medium to large rats every Monday. He looks healthy, but I try feeding him every Monday and he'll smell it and last time he struck at it without trying to bite it like he is afraid of it. He has two hides and a water bowl. Maybe he's hibernating?
Thanks.

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[Sauzo]

Boas dont hibernate in the sense like a bear would. They do have less food intake and stuff but a healthy, properly fed boa will never turn down a meal. A fat obese boa, yes probably simply because any living thing will reach its limit on food if offered.

With that said, a medium to large rat every week is WAY too much food and i wouldnt be surprised if it refused food. I feed mediums every 3 weeks and larges every 3-4 weeks depending on the snake.

Without knowing the cage, temps, humidity and other husbandry, it is impossible to tell why it wont eat but if it just strikes at it and thats it, it is a defensive strike. So bottom line is you dont have the cage set up right.

[Dutti]

My 21 months old male BCI did not eat since two months because of the winter. Last year that was not the case though, I think because he was younger. So if your snake is over year and half maybe it’s weather related issue. And try feeding live. I feed mine only live and he always ate.

[Jonnyboy98]

The cold side is a bit too cold. How can I raise the cold side up a bit, it's at 67

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[Jonnyboy98]

Here is his enclosure.

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[bcr229]

With a tub like that you'll need two under-tank heaters individually controlled by thermostats since 67*F is way too cold, and I strongly suspect that's why your boa is not eating. If it's too cold it can't digest.

Set the thermostat for the cool side UTH so it's running 82-83*F, set the other around 89-90*F. I would also cover most of the tub with a blanket or large towel to help keep the heat in the tub.

Alternatively you can increase the ambient temperature of the room to 76-78*F by running a space heater and continue to use the one UTH at 89-90*F.

You will also need a heavy shallow water dish with straight sides so it can't be tipped over easily. Your boa will dump that light plastic bowl and end up laying in cold water.

[Dutti]

Here is his enclosure.

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If I was a boa in that enclosure I won’t eat also. The ground is wet, no substrate and small. You need to invest some money and get your boa a proper bigger enclosure. What you have is something temporary for a limited period of time

[PiperPython]

If you get the temperatures right, and improve the enclosure a bit to make the boa more comfortable, it’ll probably end up eating. Remember, they can go without food for a long period of time. Use that time to improve a few things and you’ll be set

[Jonnyboy98]

I put a little heater in my room. It brought the cool side up to 75. Thank you for your input.

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