scared while feeding

How do you get a shy eater to eat better? Our spider is a very shy feeder, if the rat comes next to her she will hide. She hasn't eaten in 2 weeks, I figure she will eat when she is ready. She eats live rats almost weaned size.

I close the enclosure and let them do their thing. Once closed, generally within 30 seconds I'll hear a muffled thud and then silence.

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Originally Posted by 200xth

I close the enclosure and let them do their thing. Once closed, generally within 30 seconds I'll hear a muffled thud and then silence.

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Ditto

she is in a rack and that is what i do. i leave the rat in there for 20 min and she gets scared.

try f/t?


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One of mine likes being fed inside a paper bag, I just put her and the rat in the bag, and then put them both in the tub. Not a good idea for a larger snake eating rats that have eyes/teeth but safe enough for a little one. Or if she's scared of the size maybe offer two rat pinks instead of the pup?

Have you tried offering in the dark? I didnt use to believe my snakes cared that much about light till I encountered my first really picky eater. She did sort of the same thing you described, she would be interested in the prey item till it got to close to her then she would be scared. I know you cant see in the pitch black but try feeding when there is as little light as possible. Anyway the less light their is the better she eats, she will refuse food in normal light but in no light she takes about 75% of the time. I dont know your setup so if you have dark tubs that block out all light anyway disregard this post.

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Originally Posted by KING JAMES

Have you tried offering in the dark? I didnt use to believe my snakes cared that much about light till I encountered my first really picky eater. She did sort of the same thing you described, she would be interested in the prey item till it got to close to her then she would be scared. I know you cant see in the pitch black but try feeding when there is as little light as possible. Anyway the less light their is the better she eats, she will refuse food in normal light but in no light she takes about 75% of the time. I dont know your setup so if you have dark tubs that block out all light anyway disregard this post.

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I will for sure try that, I usually feed them when I get them which can be anytime from 1-6pm and it is usually still light out. maybe i will try tonight

If the dark doesn't work, maybe try a smaller rat or even mouse.

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Originally Posted by reptiler

If the dark doesn't work, maybe try a smaller rat or even mouse.

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I'd definitely try the methods suggested, and if those don't work try a mouse hopper or whatever sized mouse would be appropriately sized for your snake. Bubo was afraid of the rats that I fed him even though he had been eating rats his whole life. Once I started offering mice he started to take then instantly. Then once he got consistent in his feedings switched back to rats and haven't had a problem since :)


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