Hatchling, 10+ Assist Feeds and Still Not Taking Food

Here's a trick that I've used with bps that just don't seem to eat regardless of what you do. Put two hideboxes in the bin, one on the hot side and one on the cold side and let the snake settle in and leave them alone for a week or so. They usually find a hide that they prefer. Take a frozen thawed rat pink or hopper mouse, use something small. Place it right outside the hide they prefer but not near the opening, put it just to the side so they can come in and out of the hide without being blocked by the rodent. It's usually gone in the am. If not, keep trying and only assist feed sparingly so they stay hungry.

I will add that the RBI hides are very tall. Perhaps you will have better luck with hides that have lower overhead clearance.


GL

Just an update:

Moved another RBI hide into the cool side of the enclosure and put her on aspen.

I have a female fire that I had to assist feed well over 10 times myself. I couldn't get her to take anything except tiny pinky mice, I would do multiples at a time. One day I was cleaning her tub and noticed she looked very fiesty to say the least, I offered her a f/t rat pup and the rest is history. She is my best eater, I can barely open the tub without her flying out after the rodent.

I didn't change a thing , I think she just got the whole eating thing or was sick of me assisting her and said I'll do it myself.

It's funny how the worst eaters can turn out to be the best in the long run.

Best of luck and definitely keep us updated , be patient , she might turn out to be a monster eater :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WmHrbst

I have a female fire that I had to assist feed well over 10 times myself. I couldn't get her to take anything except tiny pinky mice, I would do multiples at a time. One day I was cleaning her tub and noticed she looked very fiesty to say the least, I offered her a f/t rat pup and the rest is history. She is my best eater, I can barely open the tub without her flying out after the rodent.

I didn't change a thing , I think she just got the whole eating thing or was sick of me assisting her and said I'll do it myself.

It's funny how the worst eaters can turn out to be the best in the long run.

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agree, I've seen this many times