How long do you leave a meal in the tank?

[mattred]

I got a bp about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I fed him the Monday after I got him during the day and within an hour he was halfway done with the meal. I was out of town and couldn't feed him until today (Wednesday). He has been exploring the entire tank and moving right over the mouse (prekilled) as he is moving around, but paying almost no attention to the kill. The mouse has been in there for about 5-6 hours now and I don't know if I should leave it overnight and see if he prefers to eat at night in the quiet dark or take it out and try next Monday.

I have a feeling he was so quick to eat the last time because it was his first meal and knowing the pet store they probably hadn't fed him in a long time.

Other than not eating, he has been pretty good so far - started off a little skittish/inactive and keeping to himself in the hide by the UTH, but now he is really active and exploring and moving around. He mainly tries to go up the side of the tank and explore the opening/screen.

The weather has changed a lot since I got him (it was in the 50's outside when I got it settled, now it's been up to 90ish and really humid, but the a/c has been on in the house and his tank is a comfortable temperature). Could his recent surge of activity/exploration, especially around the top edges mean he is less comfortable in the tank?

And finally should I even make a big deal about feeding him, or just take it out wait until next Monday? I know they can go a long time without feeding, but seeing as though he took so quick to the first meal...

[LadyOhh]

Try again, and as long as it is prekilled, you can leave it overnight.

[scotty99]

Hi, sounds like he may be stressed with him climbing to the top of the enclosure. Mine did that when he got mites.

As to your question about how long to leave meal in the tank...my BP has taken a rat pup into his hide(f/t) and using it as a teddy bear instead of eating it, so it will stink by mornin me thinks!!! ...cage clean ...again!!!

complex creatures these royal pythons!!


------My corn can eat 1 more potato than a pig!!---------------

[Sonya610]

He has been exploring the entire tank and moving right over the mouse (prekilled) as he is moving around, but paying almost no attention to the kill. The mouse has been in there for about 5-6 hours now and I don't know if I should leave it overnight and see if he prefers to eat at night in the quiet dark or take it out and try next Monday

My girl does not recognize it as food unless it is right next to her and has a nice heat signature, she has overlooked f/t mice and then when they were warm enough and right next to her hit them fast. Try to warm it up a bit, then make sure he is aware of it.

[Sonya610]

Wow...just realized this thread is old. Hopefully the issues have been resolved.