How else to kill stress?

I had my hatchling in a 20 long, but have transferred him to a 10 gallon after lots of daytime cruising and not eating for 2 weeks (he might have been entering shed, I'll know in a few days). 3 sides of the tank are painted, he has two hides, a water bowl, branch to climb on/help with shedding starting, and paper towel bedding. I've recently been throwing a towel over top of the tank and in front to keep in more temp/humidity and minimize stress.

I transferred him last night, but he's still not chilling in hides too much. He's been cruising around less, but still is generally hanging out outside of his hides. Is this a problem or sign of stress still? How long should I wait after his transfer to begin worrying about his condition? Also, should I wait a week after changing his enclosures before offering food or should I stick to the normal schedule? Humidity is around 65% and ambient temp is in low 80's. Is there anything else I can do to minimize his stress levels?

Hi,

Yes leave him completely alone for a week - aside from essential cage cleaning.

No handling or anything like that and he should begin to relax and settle in to the new surroundings.


dr del

you need to take temp on the warm side, to warm and he my be hunting for the right temp. I keep mine at 92-95 on the warm side.

Temp on the warm side is mid 90's...I have a separate unit on there, it was just a new unit that I got for ambient and cool side.

I got a hatchling at 3 weeks old and put him in a 20 gallon long tank. It took him 3 weeks to eat and it was a live small mouse(white) that finally worked. He ate mice for 3 feedings then switched him to rat pups. He has never missed a feeding since and he is now 3 months old. Moving him would add stress. Try covering the front of the tank just until he eats. That also cuts down on the stress! They will stop running around the cage when they are settled in and then it should eat for you! Hope this helps! Don't worry, just be patient! He won't starve to death! Good luck!

He ate...its been a week since moving him into the smaller tank. Thanks for all of the help from everyone :D