Bad Feeding

[greenmonkey51]

I got a small mouse yesterday for my new pastel. He took the one last week just fine, but this time he didn't seem interested. I got him to strike each of the 3 separate times I offered. After the third time I took the mouse out, killed, and put it by the warm hide overnight. He didn't take it. All the temp are spot on 92/82/60%. Im guessing that he didn't like something about the mouse. Im gonna wait till next week to try again. Any guesses.

[elevatethis]

How long have you had him? Some take longer to settle in and others aren't phased a bit. Try not to handle him too much until he starts grabbing food more consistently.

[greenmonkey51]

I have had him for 3 weeks and have yet to handle him.

[TheAudOne]

Good job on not handling him...is he just striking at it but not actually grabbing it?
If so, I notice mine do this when they are mad..or just want it away from them. Like when I tried feeding my mouse eater a small rat...he snapped at it a million and one times...okay maybe twice...but when I placed a mouse in there he ate it on the first bite....ths also happens when I get a rat that is larger then they usually eat...maybe this new rat was a little larger then the last?

Or maybe he's just not hungry yet....keep us posted and good luck.

~Audrey

[elevatethis]

Was he feeding on rats before you obtained him? They tend to imprint on one or the other, so its possible that mice might be "new" for him while he's expecting a rat.

[greenmonkey51]

Hey guys, I think I just figured out why he didn't take the mouse. I was changing water and found him shedding. That would explain the missed strikes and lack of interest overall. I must of missed the blue eyes since he's a new arrival.

[recycling goddess]

that would totally make sense since you haven't been handling him yet.

give him another week and try again