He STILL won't eat

Ok, just gonna say this: you NEED to read the husbandry 101 stickies and how to set up an enclosure stickies.

With that much temp fluctuation I'm guessing your heat sources are NOT regulated by a thermostat?? This is the most important tool you can have to create proper husbandry. ALL heat sources should be regulated by a thermostat to prevent dangerous heat spikes which can cause serious burns or worse to your snake.

I strongly suggest just starting over. Start from scratch like you literally know nothing. Read read and read more. Get a proper enclosure (yours is way too tall, which makes heat and humidity difficult to maintain). And set it up properly. Introduce the snake to the new enclosure once it's properly set up. Wait 2 weeks (NO HANDLING during this time) and offer again. Limit the wiggling and just let the mouse slowly "crawl" up to the snake. Hopefully this helps

Don't get discouraged. BPs can be tough to get going, but with a proper enclosure, proper equipment and hides and proper husbandry it gets a LOT easier. Once everything is set up and dialed in its just maintenance.

Alright, thank you. I cannot get a new enclosure at this time as I cannot afford a shorter one and we are going on vacation. I do have a thermostat on the UTH, but I don't on the lamp because I have no way of getting the probe to stay under or around it.

Well I'm...disheartened. I thought I was doing at least most things right. I know I'm a beginner, but I'm doing my best to perfect my husbandry. While I wouldn't rehome Asriel because I love this lil beep so much, maybe I should've stuck with small, furry creatures.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Alright, thank you. I cannot get a new enclosure at this time as I cannot afford a shorter one and we are going on vacation. I do have a thermostat on the UTH, but I don't on the lamp because I have no way of getting the probe to stay under or around it.

Well I'm...disheartened. I thought I was doing at least most things right. I know I'm a beginner, but I'm doing my best to perfect my husbandry. While I wouldn't rehome Asriel because I love this lil beep so much, maybe I should've stuck with small, furry creatures.

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No no no!!! You're SO close. And it's not that you're doing anything wrong, it's just subtle tweaks. That's why I suggested reading the stickies. They will teach you how to get your equipment right. Please don't give up!!!

Have you considered a temporary tub setup? Super inexpensive and you will have time to save up for a permanent enclosure once your pet has outgrown the tub.

Also, just a thought: it's a good idea to have some emergency vet money stashed away just in case. Better safe than sorry.

Anyway, we're here to help. Please don't give up and don't be afraid to ask questions. This forum is full of experienced and knowledgeable keepers and breeders who are happy to help you enjoy your pet and share in our passion. Just choose who you take advice from wisely, as the internet is full of contradictory info and anybody can post whatever they want. This forum will probably prove to be your most trusted asset, so please don't be afraid to use it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Alright, thank you. I cannot get a new enclosure at this time as I cannot afford a shorter one and we are going on vacation. I do have a thermostat on the UTH, but I don't on the lamp because I have no way of getting the probe to stay under or around it.

Well I'm...disheartened. I thought I was doing at least most things right. I know I'm a beginner, but I'm doing my best to perfect my husbandry. While I wouldn't rehome Asriel because I love this lil beep so much, maybe I should've stuck with small, furry creatures.

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craig said it the best. You're SO close! A tub is an amazing idea, very inexpensive and easy to get ahold of. I strongly recommend getting something other than that tall enclosure. Tubs are not the prettiest, but it'll certainly do! When I got my first ball python (my first snake and reptile ever!), I thought his temps and setup were perfect! Boy was I wrong ;) But everything was fixed in about a week, and he's just fine!
Never give up! I got so frustrated in fixing my snakes enclosures, but it was so worth it. Everyone's happy and healthy now! I think you should run to Home Depot or some other similar store near you, and get something like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/Sterilit...8006/20672148y It's cheap and easy to set up. :) I have my crested geckos in something similar, and they do great! This way you can "restart", but not break your bank buying a new tank! Though, If you want a glass tank (I know how pretty they are) I would recommend catching the $1 a gallon sale at PetSmart (or Petco... idk one of the two lol).
In short, don't give up! And think about Asriel. You can correct his temps and set up! It might take a little bit, but you know where we are :D

Thank you so much. The way he said to take a look at the stickies made me feel like I completely messed up, the only reason why that is was because it happened on another pet forum once.
The tub idea could potentially work, but don't plastic and heat don't mix? I may be wrong, but as a person with a fear of all things fire I'd rather go the safest route.
I was thinking about the other tank idea, but remember what I said about losing a snake to a poorly locked tank? Yeah...that's what I used. I left a few tank clips off the lid accidentally leading to escape. Now my parents will not allow me to use tank clips and screen lids for reptiles.

It's a male and hasn't eaten for you since December? Males go off feed all the time during the winter. Right now my pied boy is doing his annual winter fast and all my other boys are inconsistent feeders right now except the pastel lesser he's too young to be doing that. The season could be the reason. Unless there's something really wrong with him or the set up he should start eating for you eventually.

Alright, here is more info so everyone knows what the situation is. Any ideas on how to tweak and adjust my husbandry and overall care is appreciated, anything to help get my beeper to eat!

-16x16x23 locking terrarium
-150w CHE
-8w UTH controlled by Jumpstart thermostat
-coconut fiber bedding
-ambiance temp: 81-92 fahrenheit
-UTH average temps: 80-87
-shallow water dish
-misting 1-3 times daily
-two hides *will be changed*
-one plant *more to be added*
-cardboard covering outside
-no lighting
-average weight: 103-106g
-got him from an independent reptile shop in December 2017
-no more than a year
-had a recent shed,quite piecey
-male
-was handled within the first two months, has only been handled twice since (to weigh and clean out tank, completely my mistake!)
-was fed live hoppers in the shop but also accepted f/t
-have offered pinkies, then small rats to which both refused
-offered every weekend
-slightly interested last offer, but it more scared of it

Now that I'm looking at it I made a lot of mistakes...i think I'll start over and give him some time to chill out. Why am I such a darn beginner?

We all were beginners at one point or another.

What counts is that you are here, asking for advice and working on making things better. These are just hick ups. These snakes can live 30+ years (I think the oldest recorded was over 40, and he was obtained as an adult) so you have PLENTY of time to enjoy your baby once everything is running smoothly ;)

Just tweak everything to get the husbandry in order and the rest will fall in place :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Alright, here is more info so everyone knows what the situation is. Any ideas on how to tweak and adjust my husbandry and overall care is appreciated, anything to help get my beeper to eat!

-16x16x23 locking terrarium
-150w CHE
-8w UTH controlled by Jumpstart thermostat
-coconut fiber bedding
-ambiance temp: 81-92 fahrenheit
-UTH average temps: 80-87
-shallow water dish
-misting 1-3 times daily
-two hides *will be changed*
-one plant *more to be added*
-cardboard covering outside
-no lighting
-average weight: 103-106g
-got him from an independent reptile shop in December 2017
-no more than a year
-had a recent shed,quite piecey
-male
-was handled within the first two months, has only been handled twice since (to weigh and clean out tank, completely my mistake!)
-was fed live hoppers in the shop but also accepted f/t
-have offered pinkies, then small rats to which both refused
-offered every weekend
-slightly interested last offer, but it more scared of it
Now that I'm looking at it I made a lot of mistakes... I think I'll start over and give him some time to chill out. Why am I such a darn beginner?

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Looks pretty good! There are a couple things that need changed, but I'll let other people pitch in. I don't want to call out something you're doing right!
As for plastic+heat, Idk. My cresties have no UTH so I'm not sure how that would work on a tub. Not much to say, I'm notorious for having bad husbandry (lol); I don't wanna give you wrong advice. Someone said it may be the season, which is a good thing to consider! My boy is fasting right now, it's been about a month. Maybe Asriel is doing the same. Good Luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Alright, thank you. I cannot get a new enclosure at this time as I cannot afford a shorter one and we are going on vacation. I do have a thermostat on the UTH, but I don't on the lamp because I have no way of getting the probe to stay under or around it.

Well I'm...disheartened. I thought I was doing at least most things right. I know I'm a beginner, but I'm doing my best to perfect my husbandry. While I wouldn't rehome Asriel because I love this lil beep so much, maybe I should've stuck with small, furry creatures.

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Hey , don't get disheartened- snakes are amazing creature and will enhance your life for decades !


There are so many things to sort out .. probably all mentioned in previous posts ..

For me if you have a heat mat running on a thermostat then I'd stick with that for now and ditch the lamp as it's NOT regulated by a stat .

Then some easy things ... dark paper or card on the back and sides of the tank , try and get two identical hides , get rid of that HUGE water bowl and replace it with a much smaller one - Royals don't need to soak so that thing is just taking up valuable floor space . Royals don't appreciate the wide open spaces so branches and fake foliage are appreciated BUT he's got hardly any floor space to move around .. imagine yourself in there and maybe you can see where I'm coming from [emoji4]

Then leave him alone apart from keeping the water fresh and then try feeding as already described --- in the evening.


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