We are leaving her alone, what next?

[ZinniaZ]

Alrighty. We bought a nice little female BP at the Reptile Expo a week ago. Actually a week ago saturday. After some preliminary messing around, we got her tank set up and the temperature and humidity has remained pretty good. We've got 90 on the warm side, 80 on the cool side, humidity wavering between 50 and 65%. We aren't picking her up. Took pictures twice. Change the water, add paper towels to up the humidity if needed. She remains in her hide pretty much all the time.

Do we continue to leave her alone? When is it ok to just handle her a little? I assume we should wait until after she has eaten. We tried twice and she struck at it but it seemed defensive rather than hungry and she didn't come back for it and grab it. Left in cage overnight but no go.

When should we offer her another mouse? Should we offer a live one to possibly assure success? We offered frozen thawed. Should we offer another frozen thawed or try to be SURE she will eat the next time we try and offer a young live mouse and supervise so she doesn't get hurt? What should we do next to ensure that we do this right???

[LadyOhh]

Depending on what the breeder fed, I would suggest going with that as a feeder item first.

Then, after she has eaten that sucessfully a couple of times, then try F/T.

As for handling, I would suggest doing it a couple of times a week, for short amounts of time. (10 mins)

Try not to do it right before or right after eating, as that can affect the stress levels and possibly prevent feeding.

[ZinniaZ]

They fed fresh killed or fresh stunned. I do not think I can do that. I can feed a live one and let her kill it. I can defrost a frozen one. But I do not think I am capable of whacking a mouse on the head or cutting its throat or whatever you have to do to kill it. I really don't think I can. I know my son cannot.

Should we not touch her until we have resolved the feeding? She is due for a feeding.

[LadyOhh]

I would suggest not touching her until she has fed for you first, and if that is the case about the feeders, I would give her live and see how it works

Good luck

[ZinniaZ]

Thank you. I do not want to mess this up.

[cassandra]

I know it can be tough to euthanize the feeders, but when you are ready, you might think about asking your reptile shop to pre-kill a feeder you buy from them and give you a demonstration. Mice really easy. =)

As far as advice, Heather's right on the money. =)