» Site Navigation
2 members and 606 guests
Most users ever online was 47,180, 07-16-2025 at 05:30 PM.
» Today's Birthdays
» Stats
Members: 75,909
Threads: 249,113
Posts: 2,572,174
Top Poster: JLC (31,651)
|
-
Please Help! New BP Owner!
Ok, so I bought a 15-16 inch, pastel ball python July 6th. I've fed her 3 times so far. She has never turned down food until now. She has been VERY active since I got her and tolerates being held a few minutes at a time. But the past 2-3 days, she has just sat curled up in a ball for the most part. I have a heating pad on one side, humidity gauges, thermometers, and etc. I can't find any reason for her to be stressed, but she is very unactive and won't eat. It is around the time she is supposed to shed, but her eyes aren't milky blue and her scales aren't flaky or anything. Why is she acting this way? I'm super worried! :( She won't stay in the warm half of the 45 gal. tank either. I checked to make sure it wasn't too hot and the humidity was ok. She just wants to stay where it is cool, I guess. But now she won't let me hold her. She's being very irritable. Please help me!
By The Way:
I checked her underbelly and it looks perfectly normal. No rotten scales or anything. Why could she be acting this way?
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
Ok, so I bought a 15-16 inch, pastel ball python July 6th. I've fed her 3 times so far. She has never turned down food until now. She has been VERY active since I got her and tolerates being held a few minutes at a time. But the past 2-3 days, she has just sat curled up in a ball for the most part. I have a heating pad on one side, humidity gauges, thermometers, and etc. I can't find any reason for her to be stressed, but she is very unactive and won't eat. It is around the time she is supposed to shed, but her eyes aren't milky blue and her scales aren't flaky or anything. Why is she acting this way? I'm super worried! :( She won't stay in the warm half of the 45 gal. tank either. I checked to make sure it wasn't too hot and the humidity was ok. She just wants to stay where it is cool, I guess. But now she won't let me hold her. She's being very irritable. Please help me!
By The Way:
I checked her underbelly and it looks perfectly normal. No rotten scales or anything. Why could she be acting this way?
First off take a deep breath... The 45 gallon tank is way to big for a baby ball python. Also is your heat pad being regulated by a thermostat? If not you need to get one asap an untill you do you will want to stop using it. It can over heat an burn the snake. There are a number of things that it could be as to why she is not eating. One being the tank being to big. If your going with a tank she should be in a 10 gallon with two hides one on eat side a hot spot of 88-90 an ambient of high 70s low 80s. Did she darken up at all? She may be entering shed an reffusing to eat. Does she have any hides? If not shes more than likely really stressed from the large enclosure. Ball pythons are not very active. They will come out for water an cruz there enclosure for a meal other wise they pretty much sit still. Some will stay on the hot spot some prefer the cool side an move over to the hot side when needed. What kind of pinkies are you feeding it? A ball python should be started on mouse hoppers or something of a similar size. Pinkies are way to small. I feed my hatchlings mouse hoppers an switch them over to rats pups an so on as they grow
-
It could be her tank is too big. If their enclosure is too large it can stress them out. When I was getting my 20gal long tank I was warned it might be too large, so a 45gal is way big for such a young bp. Other than that, I'm afraid I don't know. Got my girl back in January and I'm still learning new things. Hope you get it figured out soon. :)
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I was told by three different people when I got her that a 20 is too small and she can't digest anything bigger than pinkies just yet. She does have a log to hid in.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I was told by three different people when I got her that a 20 is too small and she can't digest anything bigger than pinkies just yet. She does have a log to hid in.
Three people were very very wrong. Pinkies are never a suitable meal for a ball python, even right out of the egg.
Check out this caresheet please.
-
Log hides are not very good for ball pythons. Being open on both ends they don't offer much security. Get you snake a hide with one door and that is a snug fit. Best if the snake can touch all sides when inside. It can be hard to find a small enough hide so filling a larger hide with moss will help make your snake feel snug and secure in it. This way you could also use the hide longer.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
They mentioned the whole "food needs to be about the same size as the snakes widest point" which the pinkies I feed are. I still have three pinkies left. Should I feed her two a week instead until I can buy bigger ones? And I take my snake out of her original tank and put her in a small tub during feeding time. I give her about 20-30 mins to adjust, then feed her and put her back after she completely swallows it.
-
Moving your snake to a different tub is not needed and only causes stress. If it is being picky feed it in its home to cut down on stress. Feeding in its cage will not make it aggressive.
You could try two but I would offer the appropriate feeder starting with the next feed. I wouldn't want to miss a meal just cause your snake doesn't want pinks.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I move it, because feeding it in it's original tank is dangerous. It can teach your snake that when the lid comes off, food is comming. And I don't want to be bit. But the food problem doesn't explain her being so aggresive lately.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I move it, because feeding it in it's original tank is dangerous. It can teach your snake that when the lid comes off, food is comming. And I don't want to be bit. But the food problem doesn't explain her being so aggresive lately.
That is one of the most common myths in this hobby. I promise, they won't act any differently if you fed in the enclosure.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I move it, because feeding it in it's original tank is dangerous. It can teach your snake that when the lid comes off, food is comming. And I don't want to be bit. But the food problem doesn't explain her being so aggresive lately.
Don't know who exactly is giving you your advice, but I'd read around the forums and the internet a bit more for some information.
Some people feed in the cage, some people remove and feed out. Ball pythons are generally pretty good at figuring out if you're food or not though, and I at least have never had any problems feeding in or out with my guy. I go near him and he could care less, but wave a mouse in his vicinity and you'd better have a good long pair of hemostats to go along with it.
-
Also, for the record, the high activity is a sign of stress. A happy ball python is a hiding ball python. I strongly advise you to check out the caresheet I linked in my other posts, it sounds like you've gotten severely bad advice from Petco or Petsmart.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Hey! I'll share my two cents!
When i first got my female pastel from a breeder i had her setup in a ten gallon tank. Luckily i was able to find these forums before purchasing my snake and getting the enclosure all set up for her so when she came home she would feel safe and secure. The reason why i am telling you this is because i had a similar feeding issue and the same nervousness you were feeling being a first time snake keeper.
When it comes to the enclosure i would say definitely downsize! I will attached a very helpful picture that some BUT NOT ALL ball python owners go by! Note that the size of the ball python really is not the issue, but rather the weight of the ball python itself. In the picture below you will see weights in grams, the appropriate prey item, and even the recommended enclosure size (Both for tubs and aquarium style enclosures). I want to make it clear that i did not make this picture and the credit is due to its original maker!
http://i351.photobucket.com/albums/q...ging_chart.jpg
When it comes to the feeding i would definitely say feed her at least two or three pinkies at the next feeding depending on her weight. I fed my female every 5 days until she hit 500 grams, then she went on a weekly basis.
Also i am not sure if i missed reading if you have a thermostat hooked up to the tank or not. But regardless i will include a link below on how i assembled my aquarium style tank for my ball python.
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ew-setup/page2
I included a lot of useful pictures within that thread and my ball python has still never missed a meal even after going into her new tub system (knock on wood)!
My only advice is cover all your bases, read the care sheet on this website, browse the forums, and lastly make sure your husbandry is up to par! Also never be afraid to ask for help.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by LGray23
Also, for the record, the high activity is a sign of stress. A happy ball python is a hiding ball python. I strongly advise you to check out the caresheet I linked in my other posts, it sounds like you've gotten severely bad advice from Petco or Petsmart.
Couldnt agree with you more Lgray. Who ever is giving the OP advice needs a good lesson in the care of ball pythons.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Everyone says something different. And for the record. I did my homework and I used to work at a Nature rehabiliation center and got some advice from the reptile handlers and caregivers. I guess it depends on who you talk to and who thinks they know it all. I read that ball pythons curl up in a ball when stressed or threatened. So maybe my info isn't the stuff that is wrong. Thank you anyways.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nightoftheraven
i did my homework
c-
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by sho220
c-
I hate grades :)
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
Everyone says something different. And for the record. I did my homework and I used to work at a Nature rehabiliation center and got some advice from the reptile handlers and caregivers. I guess it depends on who you talk to and who thinks they know it all. I read that ball pythons curl up in a ball when stressed or threatened. So maybe my info isn't the stuff that is wrong. Thank you anyways.
Wow... Just wow... Gotta love these uppity know it all types.
The folks here are just trying to help and all you want to do is blame it on something else and use your subtle sarcasm. The folks who have responded, like LGray and BallsUnlimited are very respected in this hobby and they know what they are talking about. I doubt anyone with any lick of knowledge here will disagree with their advice. You can ignore the advice of the folks here have given you and all that will happen is it will end in the suffering and most likely the untimely death of your snake. People with your attitude are what gives us reptile keepers a bad name.
But if you want a second opinion, ask the same question on any respectable forum or call any respectable breeder and ask them.
Here, I will help.
www.faunaclassifieds.com
www.kingsnake.com
www.albinonile.com
www.bhbreptiles.com
www.coldbloodedaddiction.com
www.richsballpythons.com
I could go on all posting links to breeders and forums for advice, but honestly, I think it will all be in vain.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I've visited that kingsnake.com place before. Not for this subject, but other reptile stuff. It is a good site. And I'm just making a point. People have different methods for different things. Getting advice from several sources and picking what is most commonly known is not a crime. Subtle sarcasm is my specialty when people start acting like know-it-alls. I just wanted to know what was with the strange behavior all of the sudden. I didn't need four different paragraphs on what is wrong and right because everyone does it differently. Some use heat lamps (which I wouldn't recomend) others use heating pads. Some use big tanks, others small. I go based on what I read most commonly in books and articles. Every now and then I get opinions or help from snake owners.
-
My advice to you on books and internet article is look at the date. Some of the books out there are 10 years old or more, and the information in them is very much outdated. Same thing with internet articles. Some have been around for years and years.
I respect you have spoken to reptile people. My question there is how many had direct experience with ball pythons specifically ? Different species of snake have very different needs and habits. Just because I know everything there is to know about a green anaconda doesn't mean I know jack about cornsnakes. There is a reason this place is called "ball pythons.net". It's because everyone here keeps, breeds, raises, shows and is enthusiastic about ball pythons. To discard the cumulative knowledge of hundreds of ball python keepers with thousands of years of combined experience because your "reptile expert" told you something different seems kind of silly to me.
Undoubtedly you will do whatever you feel is best for your snake, and no one can stop you from that. But when well intentioned people try to steer you in a better direction, don't automatically discount what they say when it isn't what you want to hear.
Gale
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I didn't discount their advice. It just didn't answer what I wanted to know.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
Ok, so I bought a 15-16 inch, pastel ball python July 6th. I've fed her 3 times so far. She has never turned down food until now. She has been VERY active since I got her and tolerates being held a few minutes at a time. But the past 2-3 days, she has just sat curled up in a ball for the most part. I have a heating pad on one side, humidity gauges, thermometers, and etc. I can't find any reason for her to be stressed, but she is very unactive and won't eat. It is around the time she is supposed to shed, but her eyes aren't milky blue and her scales aren't flaky or anything. Why is she acting this way? I'm super worried! :( She won't stay in the warm half of the 45 gal. tank either. I checked to make sure it wasn't too hot and the humidity was ok. She just wants to stay where it is cool, I guess. But now she won't let me hold her. She's being very irritable. Please help me!
By The Way:
I checked her underbelly and it looks perfectly normal. No rotten scales or anything. Why could she be acting this way?
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I didn't discount their advice. It just didn't answer what I wanted to know.
Hiding is a good thing, as a "hiding bp is a happy bp". She may be hiding more so right now because she may be going into shed (you might have missed the blue stage or it's on it's way): I know my snakes become hermits when they start to go into shed and will remain that way until they're done shedding and ready to eat.
She may be angry/defensive if there's something off with husbandry (which others have already given very good suggestions on).
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
You can stop posting on this topic now.
BTW: What I was trying to say earlier is that everyone has a different view of how things are done. Certain things people told me in this post I believe and/or already do. Other stuff, I don't agree with. For some people this may be backwards or some people just believe everything. It all depends on who you are, your outlook on the situation, and how gullible you are. Getting a second opinion isn't a crime nor is it stupid. I have asked around on different forums, asked people I know who have BPs, and checked some books. I do value good advice, but on occasion I don't agree with certain things. There is NOTHING wrong with knowing your stuff, there IS something wrong with rubbing it in someone elses face. (That goes for every subject, not just snakes.) I learned that the hard way in Middle School. :oops:
So some of that snake stuff you guys actually helped me with, others just drove me to the edge of worried/stressed.
Thanks for your help. No more "replies" are needed. :rolleyes:
- - - Updated - - -
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daybreaker
Hiding is a good thing, as a "hiding bp is a happy bp". She may be hiding more so right now because she may be going into shed (you might have missed the blue stage or it's on it's way): I know my snakes become hermits when they start to go into shed and will remain that way until they're done shedding and ready to eat.
I think she might be going into shed, because I just checked about an hour ago and her eyes are looking very cloudy/milky. Thanks!
-
Just my input abiut the feeding ib the enclisure xausing aggression:
I feed my 2 yr old bp live rats in his enclosure, he is NEVER aggrwssive when i enter his space. He has been fed this way all his life, the only way yours will show aggrwssion is if you happen to smell like gishis food when you habdle him.
If you insist on keeping your large tank make sure you put some plants or several places for yoi baby bp to hide in they do not like being out in the open and exposed.
You will not see your bp moce around much they hide 98% of the day. Usually only coming out at night since thhere nocturnal.
I wouls make sure your temps are corrext with a digital thermomwter because if you happen to have an anolog obe those are veryinaccurate.
Note to the Op i posted this before i saw your final post, and just some other advice if you keep being rude or defensive to thers advice peopke are gonna be less inclined to want to help you in the future
-
The advice given to you is the answer to why your bp is acting the way it is. If you know everything you need to know about taking care of your snake, why make a post asking for help? :confusd:
No one is acting like a know-it-all. Except you. Everyone that has posted to this thread is trying to help you, answer the questions you asked, and help you and your snake get on the proper track. Do what you wish with what was given to you.
- - - Updated - - -
Oh. And your "subtle sarcasm" isn't going to get you anywhere.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I didn't discount their advice. It just didn't answer what I wanted to know.
I'm not trying to be rude, but it sounds to me more like it didn't answer what you wanted to hear. You seem to be taking constructive criticism of your husbandry to heart, and I'm sure others will agree they meant no ill will by it. When a snake is acting out of character, the first thing you should look at is husbandry. They pointed out possible solutions to your dillema. They are basing these suggestions on years and years of successful BP keeping / breeding etc. It's hard to hear that you might be doing something wrong..I know. But these folks are trying their best to help you. They are not being malicious, or "know-it-all's" seems to me they're giving you advice on things you could change and see if it helps. I'm a super newbie, I have learned so much from this community and definitely think its worth hearing them out. I hope whatever you choose to do, that your little one thrives.
-
I think I have figured out what is wrong with my BP.
I got what I needed to know. I never said anything about knowing everything there is to know. There is always more to learn. But what I DID say does still stand. You may think what I think is right is wrong and I might think the same about you, but there is always going to be someone else who doesn't think either of us is right. Now appreciate all you guys help, but I'm done now. Thankies.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I think I have figured out what is wrong with my BP.
I got what I needed to know. I never said anything about knowing everything there is to know. There is always more to learn. But what I DID say does still stand. You may think what I think is right is wrong and I might think the same about you, but there is always going to be someone else who doesn't think either of us is right. Now appreciate all you guys help, but I'm done now. Thankies.
I would like to point out that YOU came here, WILLINGLY, asking the knowledgeable people on this forum for ADVICE. No one came to you looking to be a know-it-all and tell you what's up. You sought it out yourself. You asked a question and you got good, quality answers that WORK from people who (combined) own thousands of this particular breed of snake. The advice wasn't what you wanted to hear but *shrug* have some respect for yourself and the people here, and drop the attitude. Honestly, if you had used the search bar located above, you could have found all of this advice repeated over and over and therefore saved yourself the trouble of essentially web yelling at everyone. Just sayin'. Moral of the story... holy crap, try using sugar instead of vinegar, it'll attract a lot more flies. ;)
-
I'm not trying to have an attitude, I'm trying to get the point across that I got what I need to know and solved my problem. People don't need to post anymore. When I came here I expected to get 3-4 answers on what might be wrong, not 50 different paragraphs. Instead of giving me a lesson in attitudes that is frankly pointless considering I'm trying not to have an attitude, you could be helping someone else who needs more advice.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I'm not trying to have an attitude, I'm trying to get the point across that I got what I need to know and solved my problem. People don't need to post anymore. When I came here I expected to get 3-4 answers on what might be wrong, not 50 different paragraphs. Instead of giving me a lesson in attitudes that is frankly pointless considering I'm trying not to have an attitude, you could be helping someone else who needs more advice.
First off, this is a public forum, with thousands of members. There is hardly any threads on this forum with 3-4 responses. Each individual will come here and offer a tidbit more advice. And we can post as often and as many times as we like.
Secondly, you using large font and in red came off as attitude, and almost yelling. Again, these things are not going to get you far.
Lastly, if you don't care what else people post on this thread, please help yourself to the unsubscribe button.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by heathers*bps
First off, this is a public forum, with thousands of members. There is hardly any threads on this forum with 3-4 responses. Each individual will come here and offer a tidbit more advice. And we can post as often and as many times as we like.
Secondly, you using large font and in red came off as attitude, and almost yelling. Again, these things are not going to get you far.
Lastly, if you don't care what else people post on this thread, please help yourself to the unsubscribe button.
x2
-
Well what you consider attitude is your own issue. I have another question. How do you delete your account? I can't find a button or anything ANYWHERE? Do you have to email an admin or something?
-
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...delete+account According to this it seems you just stop logging in. Emailing an admin might work, worth a shot. Good luck in your bp adventures.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
Well what you consider attitude is your own issue. I have another question. How do you delete your account? I can't find a button or anything ANYWHERE? Do you have to email an admin or something?
You can't delete your account and you can't delete the thread that you created.
All you can do is just stop coming to the forum.
And your thread will gradually make its way down to wherever threads end up when they die when people decide to stop posting on it.
-
I would like to know what books you read because everything they were saying was correct to a T. I read 5 books before I got my sons BP and I learn more from this site and there are some great people on here. My 2 cents don't ask for help or advice and then disregard it as everyone has a different way of doing things. While that is true the others ways tend to be wrong. I know a guy that just bought a baby BP and put it in a 35 gall. and I told him that setup was too big and referred him to this site if he needed help I hope he listens unlike some people.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I think I have figured out what is wrong with my BP.
I got what I needed to know. I never said anything about knowing everything there is to know. There is always more to learn. But what I DID say does still stand. You may think what I think is right is wrong and I might think the same about you, but there is always going to be someone else who doesn't think either of us is right. Now appreciate all you guys help, but I'm done now. Thankies.
This is you just being obnoxious and unpleasant, people don't just accept the fact that you are pretty much yelling, and screaming at the advice being handed to you, not shoved in your face. We understand you're stressed, I made my mistakes her on the forums a while back with constantly trying to throw advice out the back door, but I then learned that I was continuously being handed the same thing, which turned out to be the right thing the whole time! So please, we're asking you to take a deep breath, and come back to the forums, we always offer a second chance, and are always here to help. :)
-
Did we really offer to much help? I didn't know that was possible. Maybe when we post we should state how many responses we want so we don't get to much help. It seems it is really a bother when you do.
I only want two responses to this post, no more! Don't make me get out my big bold letters!
:mad:
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
I only want two responses to this post, no more! Don't make me get out my big bold letters!
:mad:
I laughed so hard at this!
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I've heard that feeding in tank is not appropriate if you use aspen bedding, on the theory that the snake can injest bedding with its dinner.
Any truth to this?
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanPierce
I've heard that feeding in tank is not appropriate if you use aspen bedding, on the theory that the snake can injest bedding with its dinner.
Any truth to this?
A little bit of substrate being swallowed will not hurt your snake. Though there are ways around it. Some people will put the rat on a paper plate, but I guess that only works with frozen thawed. Your snake will do his fine eating in his enclosure, as long as he's not swallowing a mouth full of substrate every meal.
-
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanPierce
I've heard that feeding in tank is not appropriate if you use aspen bedding, on the theory that the snake can injest bedding with its dinner.
Any truth to this?
You can feed a snake with aspen. Sure a few pieces may get stuck on the prey as it goes down, but it rarely causes impaction. Think about this, snakes are digesting bones. A little piece of wood shaving is nothing.
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
-
I know the OP is probably long gone but I just wanted to add my 2 cents.
There is no single correct way to keep ball pythons, you are right. But there are some general pieces of information that are widely accepted for a good reason, because they work.
There are some general pieces of advice that we often hand out to the inexperienced keepers to help give them the best care for their ball python. We suggest smaller enclosures because most of the time a baby will get stressed in a large enclosure. This can lead to what we perceive as "aggression" or could make your ball python go off feed. We suggest tight fitting hides with a single opening as opposed to half log hides because we have observed that our snakes prefer the added security of a tight fitting hide.
We only suggest these things in an effort to make your life easier and the quality of your snakes life better. All we can do is offer our advice. Whether or not you choose to take that advice is solely up to you.
I wish you the best for you and your pet. If you need help in the future I am more than willing to help.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanPierce
I've heard that feeding in tank is not appropriate if you use aspen bedding, on the theory that the snake can injest bedding with its dinner.
Any truth to this?
remember in the wild the snakes may ingest dirt,leaves etc while it eats so a little bedding shouldnt cause any problem. You could put a paper towel down when feeding if you feed f\t an that may help.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I have calmed down today. I would like to apoligize to those whose feelings I hurt. I really wasn't trying to discard your help, but I was worried and stressed. I have placed some logs and better hiding spots in her tank for her. She still seems uninterested in her food, but hopefully this will change in a few days.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I have calmed down today. I would like to apoligize to those whose feelings I hurt. I really wasn't trying to discard your help, but I was worried and stressed. I have placed some logs and better hiding spots in her tank for her. She still seems uninterested in her food, but hopefully this will change in a few days.
Sometimes it takes up to a couple weeks for them to accept changed to their environment, even if they are for the better. Have patience :) A few weeks without food is no big deal.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kaorte
Sometimes it takes up to a couple weeks for them to accept changed to their environment, even if they are for the better. Have patience :) A few weeks without food is no big deal.
Thank you. I know they can fast, but I just want to make sure she isn't going die because of something I could have fixed.
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightOfTheRaven
I have calmed down today. I would like to apoligize to those whose feelings I hurt. I really wasn't trying to discard your help, but I was worried and stressed. I have placed some logs and better hiding spots in her tank for her. She still seems uninterested in her food, but hopefully this will change in a few days.
Regardless of how her attitude is or if she's acting weird, I'd still offer food every 7 days. Does she eat frozen thawed or live? If she eats frozen thawed, you can refreeze the prey so you can offer it again next week. I'd personally only refreeze once. If she eats live, I guess that would be a little harder as I'm sure you don't want to keep a rat ( or mouse ) alive for just a week. I know some mom and pop pet stores would allow you to bring a feeder rodent back and give you store credit for the next time.
Also, try giving her a week or so of just being alone, other than spot cleaning and giving fresh water. She might just need some more time to adjust. I hope this helps.
-
As long as shes acting okay and doesnt sewm to skinnt or lethargic, shell be okay. Just every 5 days keep offering her a mouse fuzzy and try f/t even try live. She will eat when shes hungry and adjysted.just try to not handle her till she has eaten several times for you.
Good luck
-
Re: Please Help! New BP Owner!
I feed her frozen thawed mice. She has never had live. I am trying to breed mice, but because I have two kittens it is very hard. I've had the mice for 5 weeks and I know they have reached sexual maturity, because I got them when they were aroudn 3 weeks old. I think they can smell my kittens and have not bred due to that. I've been offering her food 1-2 times everyday for three days. I usually use some tongs and wiggle it around until she strikes, but lately, everytime a put a mouse near her, she burys her head in her coiled up body and ignores it. Her eyes do look a little cloudy, but I'm not positive of anything. I checked her underbelly really good and looked up pics of scale rot and other sicknesses, and it looks very healthy. No redness or peeling scales of any sort. I just want to be sure she isn't sick. I wash my hands before and after holding her and I disinfected and rinsed her tank very well before placing her in it. So, I am pretty sure she hasn't been exposed to any diseases while in my care. She came from a breeding lab and was in quarintine until now.
|