Feeding Question

My new reduced ball refused a rat when offered in his cage and in tongs. he seems pretty happy, so I don't think it's stress related. When i walked by the rats enclosure while carrying him he darted out towards it with his tongue flicking like mad. he's been raised on mice and it's been at least a week since he's been fed. Is it possible that he just is refusing the meal of a rat, or does this sound more like a general refusal.

Well, first is your husbandry correct? These questions are a bit of a pain in the butt, but if you answer them first, other members can help tell you if something needs to be adressed within your set-up to minimize stress or potential illness.

Quote:

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How long have you had your snake for?

How old is your BP?

How big is your BP (weight)?

What type of enclosure do you use?

How big is your enclosure?

Is your enclosure in a low traffic area?

What are your temps (cool & warm side)?

What is your humidity?

What type of thermometer/hygrometer do you use (dial,stick,or digital)?

What kind of hides do you provide (log, homemade, cubbyholes etc) and how many do you have?

Are your hides tight (all side touching your BP's body) and identical?

How often do you handle your BP?

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Thanx for the quote on the questions to Deborah, I don't know where they originated.

How long have you had your snake for? A week

How old is your BP? '06

How big is your BP (weight)? I'd guess 1500 grams.. but that could be off

What type of enclosure do you use? Tub

How big is your enclosure? 3 x 1'6"

Is your enclosure in a low traffic area?very

What are your temps (cool & warm side)? 78-90

What is your humidity? 45-55

What type of thermometer/hygrometer do you use (dial,stick,or digital)?Accu-rite

What kind of hides do you provide (log, homemade, cubbyholes etc) and how many do you have? Plastic homemade, 2.

Are your hides tight (all side touching your BP's body) and identical?Yup

How often do you handle your BP? 10 minutes or so every other day.

Id suggest letting him settle in for a week with no handling (disturbances for water only) Then try to feed him again, he's in a new home and just getting used to it.

also if you poke around you will see in the forums that some people have animals that only eat mice. they can be picky eaters some times. so next time you try to feed him try mice again. maybe that is his food of choice.:D

Yep, definitely sounds like he needs a little more time to settle in, don't worry yet. As mentioned, give him at least another week with NO handling, then try again:) Let us know how it goes.