I am sure this has happened to someone.

I attempted a feed tonight but I noticed she was in the blue so I didn't have my hopes up. She perked right up and tracked the rat when I put it in. She even struck at it but missed a little and the rat got away. After that she tried to track it but long story short, she didn't eat tonight. Not a big deal, but I was wondering if she just missed because her eyesight is impaired a little. I am sure that is it but I would like to hear if it has happened to anyone else.

I've had my bp miss a strike, even when he was not in shed. I think it would be normal.


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Their eyesight isn't their main way of locating prey, there are blind BP's that eat perfectly. they use their heat pits and jacobson's organ the most while hunting.

I wouldn't bet on eyesight being the reason, mine miss all the time. Don't stress about it, try again next week.

Gale

Makes sense. I know they aren't perfect. I was hoping she would strike again but she just tracked it a little and gave up.

The joys of owning a BP lol

Might it have been a defensive strike since she was blue? Some of mine will eat blue, most are to grumpy to mess with and I just wait for them to shed first.

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My biggest girl is like that. I know she has other sensory organs, but she always misses prey when she has blue eyes. It's the only time she misses and 'gives up' because she's a pretty aggressive feeder otherwise.

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Have yours missed and tried again?

I won't try until she is done shedding now because she refused last shed and this is only her second shed with me.

I am starting to get used to the not eating thing so I am not worried at all.

I always kid around and say my BP is "special" lol because she usually misses the rat on the first try haha so no worres

First miss and I just figured it wasn't a coincidence e because she was I the blue. I haven't seen a defensive strike from her yet but she got a mouth full of the rat but not quite enough grab. She still kinda went after it for a while with interest, but then gave up.

I am chalking it up to shedding. We leave next week for holidays so not a bad thing she didn't eat. I hope she poops before we go.

Thanks everyone.

In my opinion eyes are definitely useful for finding prey. Personally I think that many of the picky eaters like confirmation from all three senses before they strike.

Some snakes will strike at scent without any regard for heat, some will strike at heat without a tongue flick, then some will strike at anything they see. The ones that go off smell and sight alone are comical. I can't help but laugh when they strike at some movement in the distance and smack their face on the tub. I feel really bad when it happens repeatedly:rolleye2:. These ones could definitely use some training using their IR senses:).