Winter feeding strike question

My female ball has been on her winter strike since a little after Thanksgiving. She started her fast at around 1400 grams, and to yesterday weighed 1340, give or take a gram or two, so I'm not really concerned about that, I feel her weight is holding up pretty well. My question is, what is the general timeframe that mature females come out of their fast? Lorraine is approx 3 years old, I have had her 2 years, and she was around a year old when we got her. She fasted last winter as well, but for the life of me I cant recall just when it was she came out of it.

I wouldn't worry too much, while an extended strike for a young female doesn't usually match the boys, 3 months with little weight loss isn't really a concern. Spring is almost here, bet she starts eating then.

There is no time frame I have seen animals fast much longer than how long the winter lasted.

All you can do is be patient, make sure your animals are well hydrated, make sure your husbandry is optimum (no drop in temps) and you can downsize the enclosure sometimes it does the trick.



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Originally Posted by Deborah

There is no time frame I have seen animals fast much longer than how long the winter lasted.

All you can do is be patient, make sure your animals are well hydrated, make sure your husbandry is optimum (no drop in temps) and you can downsize the enclosure sometimes it does the trick.



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True, I've had them go as long as 9 months. But far more often than not hunger strikes in my collection end in the spring time.

So far my 14 year old BP has stuck to a scheduled 5-6 month strike for years.

I offer food at 5 months, if she refuses I wait another month before offering.

I don't know if our lack of extreme weather helps with consistency or not. I haven't worn a winter coat in 15 years. I only need a jacket about 6-14 days a year.


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Originally Posted by Reinz

So far my 14 year old BP has stuck to a scheduled 5-6 month strike for years.

I offer food at 5 months, if she refuses I wait another month before offering.

I don't know if our lack of extreme weather helps with consistency or not. I haven't worn a winter coat in 15 years. I only need a jacket about 6-14 days a year.

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I've got 2.0 23 year olds that have followed a similar schedule with out fail since 1999. Until now. One of them has fed twice monthly this winter. it still surprises me every time he does. I still offer every 3 or 4 weeks during the strikes.

I have a 1.0 Spinner Blast that was on a 7 month feeding break until a few weeks ago. He's now eating like a Boa. As Deborah said, keep your husbandry optimum and be patient. [emoji6]


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