little help

Its been a while since I have felt I have needed some help. I have done my DD but need some opinions. It has been coming up on 4 months and my BP hasn't found interest in food either. Temps and humidity are fine.

He seems to be active at night, but has thinned out. How long should I wait before I need to get some serious help? I have heard of BPS going off feed for a while. This is the first time he has been off of food this long. Any opinions would be great.

Would help if you described your set-up and your routine for handling and feeding. How old is your snake? What sex? And how long have you had it? And what does it mean when you say you've "done your DD?"

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Originally Posted by JLC

Would help if you described your set-up and your routine for handling and feeding. How old is your snake? What sex? And how long have you had it? And what does it mean when you say you've "done your DD?"

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I believe he stated the snake was a male, and DD= Due Diligence. ;)

Ok...sex is just a part of my standard list of questions I ask when someone seems vague. I can see that the snake was referred to as "he." And thanks for the translation of DD. :)


Anyhow...a more detailed description of things would help figure out what kind of advice to offer.

temps

87-92 on warm side
85-80 on other
55%-60% humidity

17 months old and have had for 13
very tame

Feeds on FTR

I just wanted to know if I should seriously be concerned?

JLC I think I may have bought him from you. If I am mistaken I'm sorry. I live in northern Ohio.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dinger51

JLC I think I may have bought him from you. If I am mistaken I'm sorry. I live in northern Ohio.

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Hehe...nope, you must have me mistaken with someone else. I've never even owned a bp yet...much less sold one.

I am, however, familiar with a fasting snake, and it can be disheartening at times. You might try switching to live prey...and/or maybe a size smaller than you usually feed, since it's been so long since he ate.

I will defer to the experts to let you know if more drastic measures should be taken.

I think its been pretty cold for some time where you live. "He" may just be reacting to the seasons.

The temps should be 82-84 warm, 92-94 hot, humidity is dead on (outside of sheding). Has handeling increased over that period? Remain consistant with your routine. I handle twice a week for 15 minutes (tops). Offer to feed during the evening hours when they are most active. Consider changing the color of the feed. I was told (on my recent purchase) that he ate brown or grey and the result after 2 weeks trying was white. I have no logical explination as to why, but white is working for him at this moment. Where is "he" located? Is there a great deal of activity? Has your setup been relocated to an area that is subject to more traffic? Just a few things to consider and I hope it helps your efforts. Best of luck and be patient. My :twocents:..

Kashmire went off feed for 4 1/2 months and he just started eating again a few weeks ago. I ceased all handling of him, other than a weekly weighing and to move him if needed to another part of the viv when I was spot cleaning. I also filled his viv with loosely balled newspaper until he ate again, then slowly weaned him off the newspaper.

Another thing that's been suggested to me is to cycle the lights - 14 hours of light, 10 hours of dark to simulate warmer weather time of year.

I agree though, get the lower end of each temp range up.

I think we as keepers stress more about the fast than the snake does. It is a relief when they start feeding again!

Thanks for the responses. I will get the "cool" side temps up a bit and throw some newspaper in for security. I went to a smaller feed a month ago and it happened to be a change in color as well. I will continue to try and feed once a week and keep the handling down for now. I am aprehesive to try live, but I will consider it as the fast continues.

Just as an observance, I tried to feed last night and he seemed interested until he came close. He then seemed frightened and went into his hide asap.

I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks for the help.