Over two weeks and still no feed.

[MasonC2K]

Well I've had my BP Chloe for over 2 weeks now. I made another feeding attempt last night. She was annoyed by the rat to the point she went back in her hide. So I talked with the guy I got her from and said it could be that she's not adjusted still. I suppose that could be the case but she's definitely more active this week at night than she was before. At night, she starts by sticking her head out her hide like a dog in a dghouse and then she'll explore for a bit then go back into one of the hides.

He said next time try a Gerbil. That's what has worked for him if one of his snakes goes long without feeding. He said to try it and if it works to try a rat again next time. Usually for him they'll go back to normal after a gerbil or two. He also said if it didn't take the gerbil that 1) He would be shocked and 2) that we could work out a trade for another one that's a more aggressive feeder. But I'd rather try everything possible to get this girl eating.

Any of you guys have suggestions?

And for those that have missed my previous posts, she an '04 that 38-39 inches long and weighs about 3lbs or so. She's in a 20G long. The back and sides have black opaque siding. Hot side low 90's (inside hide), cool side low 80's, and humidity around 50%.

[chris B]

maybe she's a big mouser , The gerbil trick should actually work good, careful though if you keep feeding her gerbils thats all she'll eat. Are you attempting more than once a week?

[lord jackel]

I assume since she is an 04 she has been eating rats? How big a rat are you trying? I have a 2500 gram male that would eat medium rats every week before breeding season...then he went on fast for 7 months to get him to come off fast I had to use just weaned rats...so long story short maybe try a smaller prey item.


Gerbils may work but you risk the snake deciding it only likes gerbils are you prepared to continue feeding it gerbils if necessary?

[MasonC2K]

I have tried feeding a week ago Wednesday and then last night. Although I have sat the rat next to the cage a couple of time to see if the smell would garner her interest. I really thought she was ready since she started coming out at night.

[MasonC2K]

I assume since she is an 04 she has been eating rats? How big a rat are you trying?

Just weaned is what he said she was eating for him.

[lord jackel]

Just weaned is what he said she was eating for him.

And I assume that is how big you are trying?

Also how big is she (weight?)

[MasonC2K]

And I assume that is how big you are trying?

Also how big is she (weight?)

Yes, unless the pet store guy had no clue. I nknow nothing about rats so I just went with what the guy gave me. I did check to make sure it wasn't bigger around than she is. I will take a picture of the rat tonight and add it to this post so you can judge. I don't know how much the rat weighs. I can find that out though.

[lord jackel]

Yes, unless the pet store guy had no clue. I nknow nothing about rats so I just went with what the guy gave me. I did check to make sure it wasn't bigger around than she is. I will take a picture of the rat tonight and add it to this post so you can judge. I don't know how much the rat weighs. I can find that out though.

LOL...I meant how big is the snake. I assume she is fairly big and as such should have the fat stores to go some time without feeding. Once we verify the rat is the right size I would suggest you just continue to try with the rat once a week. It may take her longer to settle in but you shouldn't need to worry about her not eating. Keep an eye on her weight and if she still hasn't eatin in a month or 2 then you can start to think about unique feeding options. I have 2 females that go offer feed in Oct and don't start again till spring (then they eat a ton )

I don't think you have anything to worry about...she pry just needs to settle in a little longer.

[tmlowe5704]

2 weeks is nothing. I had one who just about 3 weeks ago ate for the first time since November. The record for a snake not eating in captivity is just over 2 years

[AzureN1ght]

I attempted switching my BP over to rats recently--and he didn't even TOUCH a rat for 4 weeks, finally ate one, then didn't touch one again for another three weeks... I broke down, offered him mice and he snapped them up immediately. I'd suggest trying mice. He might like their smell/taste better