Security issues Causing feeding problems?

I got my first refusal sunday night, she never takes it off the tongs, she seemed so close this time till the mouse slipped off the tongs and spooked her.

Unfortunately by the next morning she hadn't eaten them either.

I'm not freaking out because I have read enough feeding threads to know this just happens sometimes, but I am curious because I think my setup may need more security

Right now she has three 8 in clay flower dish hides. But I wonder if that is enough. She has been climbing the walls and exploring the exits again lately. I wonder if maybe smaller hides or some fake plants would help.

Last week was my first experience to handle her. a 15-20 minute session on wednesday where we just sat on the couch and I let her scent and explore. and a quick trip out, less than two minutes friday night when she was already out of her hide and I took her out to show her to a few guests.


Honestly I was hoping this handling would increase her comfortability and response on sunday night. Not have the opposite affect.

Also there was alot going on sunday. From lots of loud noise and shouting upstairs on sunday afternoon for the big game to cooking and talking in the room next to hers that night. Could that have caused it?

I was gonna try to switch to adult mice next week, now I wonder if thats a bad idea given this refusal. She already seems cautious of her food and I'm not sure why.

How much does she weigh? And I'm guessing she is on rats? If so try a small rat pup or 2 live. The don't bite and don't move to fast and are small to not scare her. You can also prescent to help out.

I already prescent but I think the blow dryer sound scares her.

She'd on f/t hopper mice now. And I have no scale. But she's an 09

Well, remember that they can't hear, they just feel vibrations. So even if there's a noise that you may not think is loud, she might be able to feel the vibrations. I constantly have to make sure the bass on my BF's music isn't high cuz normally I can feel the vibrations on my desk!

If you're worried, I would try a live adult mouse. If not, just be persistent in offering f/t and she'll eventually eat.

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Originally Posted by Elise.m

Well, remember that they can't hear, they just feel vibrations. So even if there's a noise that you may not think is loud, she might be able to feel the vibrations. I constantly have to make sure the bass on my BF's music isn't high cuz normally I can feel the vibrations on my desk!

If you're worried, I would try a live adult mouse. If not, just be persistent in offering f/t and she'll eventually eat.

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I'm not worrying yet. It's just one week. If she does this for 3 weeks I'll consider buckling to live on the 4th.

So you think I can still make the transition from f/t hopper to f/t adult even though she refused the hoppers?

Also I did not know they couldn't hear. So maybe all the hockey yelling didn't bother her. Because we never play music downstairs.

I wouldn't. I would get her to eat first. And 1 missed week is nothing. haha
And if your worried about the hides, just look at her in the hide and be like is it tight fitting or does she have alot of room to grow into them. If she doesn't eat again try smaller hides and use the ones you have later on.

Just give it time. My house i listen to music to daily and its very loud(2 12" subs) And id rattles the house.

The snakes never budge or bother by it, and even eat during the music as well. Takes time for them to get used to the vibrations but after some time they dont care. But im not saying everyone should blast music to see, as each snake will coup with it differently

Yeah, they eventually get used to things. Since I live on a busy road (Cops/Ambulances/Firetrucks use this road all the time) there are alot of vibrations from the emergency vehicles, people blaring their music, or idiots revving their engine to show off. Mine eat regularly... Haven't always, but they do now.

Probably just a new snake thing then. I hate it because I just feel she's still nervous.


Still I think I am gonna look for some smaller hides. May 6 or 6.5 inches. And maybe a fake plant or two to see if that makes her feel more comfortable.

I would try adding some fake plants in there for cover. Head to the dollar store, they have some cheap plants :)

If you can find tighter hides, you might want to try that as well. Its worth a shot!

Although after one refusal, I wouldn't worry too much. She could still be settling in.

Nah I'm not to worried, just that I know her cage is to big and she does have some room in her hides so I am working to fix that.

I am half way to affording my rack which I think she'll feel more comfortable in(Plus the heat will be easier), still I need to find better hides. I went to look yesterday but the 1st size down of flower pot seems to small and low to the ground.


I'll just have to keep looking, there are a couple dollar stores on my route tomorrow.

I have a somewhat off topic question for you..was wondering how exactly to make those flower pot things into hides, do you make the drain hole in the bottom bigger? And if so, what do you use to do that with? Thanks!

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Originally Posted by kasmir

I have a somewhat off topic question for you..was wondering how exactly to make those flower pot things into hides, do you make the drain hole in the bottom bigger? And if so, what do you use to do that with? Thanks!

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I actually use the water collection dishes that go under the pot. And I just knock a chunk of the lip off with a hammer and sand it abit if it comes off to jagged.

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Originally Posted by Seru1

I actually use the water collection dishes that go under the pot. And I just knock a chunk of the lip off with a hammer and sand it abit if it comes off to jagged.

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Thanks, that's actually what I meant. I like the terra cotta since it's a bit heavier than those plastic ones. So the whole thing doesn't crack when you do this?

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Originally Posted by kasmir

Thanks, that's actually what I meant. I like the terra cotta since it's a bit heavier than those plastic ones. So the whole thing doesn't crack when you do this?

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Oooh no it has before. You have to hold it just right and not push your luck.


I hold near the center and make one good solid strike near the mid or bottom of the lip. Ususally I'll just get a nice opening. Now if I try to widen it I can crack the whole thing. Honestly your gonna want to tap it but that won't work, best to give it one good whack and hold near the area not at the top.


You will break some, just get them from walmart because they are pretty cheap there. I wouldn't spend alot because I know I'd break them.