She almost ate. So close...

Last week, my Chloe shed for the 4th time since her last meal in July. Saturday she was out and about and cruising her home. She was out for an hour or more.

So I got a smalll rat prepared thinking she might really go for it today.

So I dangle it a few inches from her and WHAM! She hit it so hard and fast I didn't see it and a tuft of hair was left in the tongs. I was so excited! I didn't expect THAT!

So I leave her alone so she can eat in privacy.

Well, I come back an hour later and sadly I see the body on the rat at the hide door. I could clearly see the bite mark and the blood. So I leave it in overnight hoping maybe she'll finsh the job.

No such luck.

As usual, maybe next week. At least I can say she seemed interested this week.

My normal girl is a great eater but she does something similar. I thaw out the mouse and get it very hot and dry. Then I dangle it in front of her and she constricts, but after she lets go she seems hungry but seems to have no idea where the mouse is, even though it is in front of her. So I always have an extra glass of steaming water ready, take the mouse out, dip it in for a few seconds, dry it off, and she constricts again and eats it the second time. I guess it just cools off too much while she is constricting (she constricts forever).

That may stress out a shy snake though. She doesn't seem to care about anything.