Jungle Carpet Python Update & Questions

My 2013 jungle carpet still has not eaten yet and it has been about 3 weeks since I got him. I am going to try tonight as it has been a week since last feed. Is this normal? He still hides in his cave till about 2 or 3 in the morning. Also, I was wondering if my tank is too big for the guy as he is only about 18 inches. Do you guys have any suggestions for the tank or does it look alright?


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Are you offering the same prey item as the previous owner? Tank size is not really a factor - should be fine. How hot is it with double dome fixtures? Prey choice, too hot and/or shed cycle are my three guesses. Fix which of those is off and I bet he'll be feeding in no time.

The old owner fed him small weaned mice. I have been trying to switch the jcp to fuzzy rats because I have heard that they can become picky as they get older and will refuse rats all together. Only the right light is on. It is a CHE just to warm up the branches a little bit. The other light is a red light I turn on occasionally to peer inside the enclosure at night.

Should I try mice?

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Originally Posted by therealzeus

Should I try mice?

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When I first got my JCP several years ago, he was eating med f/t mice because that was what the breeder was feeding him. I gradually switched him over to f/t rats and now he eats 1-2 f/t med. rats each week. Get him back on mice until he eats consistently then try the switch to rats. Worked for me and he is now my garbage disposal when my bpz refuse. Hope this helps.

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Originally Posted by therealzeus

Should I try mice?

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Yep. It's really more important with a new snake to get him eating for you, worry about switching only after he's eating consistently. Go ahead and try mice.

Also, just what are the temps in there?

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Originally Posted by Alicia

Yep. It's really more important with a new snake to get him eating for you, worry about switching only after he's eating consistently. Go ahead and try mice.

Also, just what are the temps in there?

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Cold side is about 75 degrees. Warm Side about 88 with a couple spots 92.

That sounds pretty darned good. Definitely try mice.

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Originally Posted by therealzeus

The old owner fed him small weaned mice. I have been trying to switch the jcp to fuzzy rats because I have heard that they can become picky as they get older and will refuse rats all together. Only the right light is on. It is a CHE just to warm up the branches a little bit. The other light is a red light I turn on occasionally to peer inside the enclosure at night.

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I had trouble switching my juvie Carpet to rats.
She would strike and coil and then ignore the rat. I just recently got her switched over.
I have air tight tubs I keep my frozen feeders in and combine rats and mice in these, I don't know if some fur etc rubbed off in these containers and acted a bit like scenting or not but, out of the blue about 6 weeks ago she decided to eat the rat finally and, has not refused rats since.
Good luck.

Keep in mind when switching over food is the snake doesn't want to eat the rat it will refuse it once it realizes the mice ain't coming it will eventually go for the rats. If you stop trying and give it what it wants (mice) it learns it only has to wait until it gets what it wants and that can make it even harder the next time around.

If it was my tank I would get rid of the lamps and add underank heaters. Easier to maintain proper heat range.

How old is the snake?