what do you think ?

I have a B.P and I think its not eating because of stress , I don't pick him up too much but hes in a traffic area, is it possible if I put a black blastic bag around the transparent part of the tank, would this give the BP a scense of security would the vibrations be a problem ?

HUSBANDRY

10 - GAL TANK
1 Hide
1 soaking dish / HIDE (he can hide in it)
(temps fluctuate according to ambient temps)
COOl side 75-80
Warm side 85-92
Substrate : coconut shreds with newspaper on top
PRAY ITEM : medium size rat ( no bigger than his largest part)


I take care of him pretty good, monitored constantly .
Hes not loosing weight really, just want him to eat consistently(and stop me from wasting $5.00) so he can obtain his full body length while in his rapid growth stage (hes about 3yrs) .

Ummm....there's some confusing inconsistencies in your description...


A 3 year old BP is no longer in the "rapidly growing phase" of life.

A BP large enough to eat a medium rat (which, in my opinion is too big even for an enormous BP) is far too big to live in a 10 gallon aquarium.


How long have you had him and where did you get him?

And to answer some other questions: Yes, a high-traffic area CAN cause stress and lack of security. Perhaps covering the sides of the glass with something opaque will help...but if there's lots of vibrations and thumping going on, it may not make much difference.

Fluctuating temps can also cause a BP to not want to eat.

As well as a prey item that is far too large.

you should have 2 hides, one for the cool side and one for the warm side...

i have a 20L tank for my guy and i covered the sides of the tank with decorative 9x12 paper and for the back i bought this plastic vinyl that you would use for fish tanks. that helps his light cycle(before the hallway light always seemed to get in) as well as security. the hides i use are terra cotta pots that i have englarged the drain hole so he can fit in, and i use 2 of them. heres an older picture so you can see.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...8/IMG_1623.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...8/IMG_1628.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t...8/IMG_1627.jpg

the third pot you see i was using as a humid hide, but since then i have switched to a plastic container. i have removed the half log as well, its pretty worthless. also i don't have the sides covered in these pics.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JLC

Ummm....there's some confusing inconsistencies in your description...


A 3 year old BP is no longer in the "rapidly growing phase" of life.

A BP large enough to eat a medium rat (which, in my opinion is too big even for an enormous BP) is far too big to live in a 10 gallon aquarium.


How long have you had him and where did you get him?

And to answer some other questions: Yes, a high-traffic area CAN cause stress and lack of security. Perhaps covering the sides of the glass with something opaque will help...but if there's lots of vibrations and thumping going on, it may not make much difference.

Fluctuating temps can also cause a BP to not want to eat.

As well as a prey item that is far too large.

---

I brought him from a breeder, he ate the first time and a couple times more before winter, after winter its been notthing but inconsistency. I try to find a rat that is big enough for him, petland and petco sucks. The mediums are sometimes right on the money, the larger rats are like mutants. what do you think I should do ?

Here is what I would do:

1. Get two hides that are Identical. so that it doesnt choose security over warmth. This way he can thermoregulate and feel secure at the same time. Make sure the hides are snug for it.

2. If you are having a hard time keeping the temps stable, I would suggest getting a thermostat made for reptiles that has a probe. this will help keep the temps steady. Can get one at most pet stores or I know you can find one online.

3. If possible can you move it to another area of the home that isnt so high traffic? If so i would do that.

I hope this helps.