He STILL won't eat

I've had Asriel since December so like two-three months now? Not once has eaten for me. I don't understand, the husbandry is fine, he's done with his shed, he's comfortable, and I've been offering the same food the shop fed him. He's starting to get a bit more interested, he goes towards it and recognizes it as food, but doesn't make any effort to take it. It's comfortably warm and I twitch it around a bit, but still no strikes or grabs. I left in his tank overnight near the UTH to keep it warm, but I didn't check to see if he took it. I'm starting to get really concerned, any tips??

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

I've had Asriel since December so like two-three months now? Not once has eaten for me. I don't understand, the husbandry is fine, he's done with his shed, he's comfortable, and I've been offering the same food the shop fed him. He's starting to get a bit more interested, he goes towards it and recognizes it as food, but doesn't make any effort to take it. It's comfortably warm and I twitch it around a bit, but still no strikes or grabs. I left in his tank overnight near the UTH to keep it warm, but I didn't check to see if he took it. I'm starting to get really concerned, any tips??

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It's very frustrating...I've been there too. Some recommendations: Make sure you are feeding at night time and limit the amount of light when you offer the food. Not sure if you are using a hairdryer but that helps a lot w/ heating the prey. My shy eater has become accustom to the sound of the hair dryer and the smell of the mouse when it's heated up. Good luck

What's your setup like? Are you handling him? If you are I would leave him alone until he eats for you. Have you tried feeding him at night?

You say your set up is fine... what does that mean? Can we get a picture? temps, hot side and cool side? Humidity? How big is your snake, and what are you feeding? I'm guessing since you left it overnight it's frozen/thawed, are you thawing it correctly and heating it properly?

As mentioned above PLUS feed in the evening, dim light . Wait until he's in one of his hides . Warm mouse /rat on tongs and dangle it in front of the hide entrance . Rodent HAS to be warm . Keep warming and offering until it's grabbed ..


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Thank you all for your replies! If you look back on my previous topic on how to perfect my husbandry you'll get the idea of my setup. I do feed him at night, and the side of the room he's in is pretty dark. His tank also has cardboard around, making it darker and cozier. I did have to remove his hide so I had enough room to wiggle it around, tonight I'll leave it be. I'll also try out the hairdryer idea, I'll update you on how it goes.

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Thank you all for your replies! If you look back on my previous topic on how to perfect my husbandry you'll get the idea of my setup. I do feed him at night, and the side of the room he's in is pretty dark. His tank also has cardboard around, making it darker and cozier. I did have to remove his hide so I had enough room to wiggle it around, tonight I'll leave it be. I'll also try out the hairdryer idea, I'll update you on how it goes.

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I think removing his hide might be part of the problem, I offer the rodent in front of my snakes hides and they grab it pretty quickly.

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Thank you all for your replies! If you look back on my previous topic on how to perfect my husbandry you'll get the idea of my setup. I do feed him at night, and the side of the room he's in is pretty dark. His tank also has cardboard around, making it darker and cozier. I did have to remove his hide so I had enough room to wiggle it around, tonight I'll leave it be. I'll also try out the hairdryer idea, I'll update you on how it goes.

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Moving the hide isn't going to help. Definitely leave him in his hide.

How often are you offering? You may be offering too often which can stress the snake and be counter productive.

As the other two guys just mentioned . The problem may have just been solved !
Never move the hide when feeding - on the contrary WAIT until it's UNDER the hide before feeding .

So do everything as suggested

I put pieces of card on the viv floor in the MORNING of the feed and then feed that evening.

I don't even change the water before feeding .. no movements at all - then mine all happily grab from WITHIN their hides . They just feel secure under there . Remember the hairdryer :).

I open the viv door , get the rodent in the tongs , 10 second blast with the hairdryer and then dangle in front of the hide entrance INSTANTLY whilst it's still warm . They cool down very quickly .

If it doesn't grab it then repeat the process exactly ... as many times as it takes - maybe 7 or 8 - just be persistent.



Some people maybe lucky and have Royals that are great feeders. - I have three fabulous feeders but MANY are like my pair of Albinos - they need peace and quiet .

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He still won't take it even in the hide. I got a new lamp so the temp's right, so husbandry is fine. He's actually quite...scared of it? He's definitely interested, he flicks his tongue and approaches it, but then turns away. Anytime it cools I heat it back up, but even then he's less interested than before.

How often are you offering? Offering too often can lead to more refusals. Also how often do you handle him?

Could you show us a picture of your set up? That will help give us the most information to see what else could be wrong. You keep saying the temps are right and for us to backtrack your past threads but I think it’s more helpful for you to give us exact numbers of what everything is at currently so we are all up to date.

As noted by others, too much handling and frequent food offering could also lead to refusals. When you first got him did you let him fully acclimate without handling him? This is a key detail we need to know as we often advise not to handle your ball python until it has eaten three consecutive meals for you.

Live Mouse... Get him eating and then start the conversion process over again. I have had issues. I tossed in a mouse, then right to rats. I am going to be doing FT conversion on all of my animals just for convenience.

Husbandry is fine is very subjective, your idea of fine as a new owner is not be my idea of fine, most importantly is might not be your snake idea of fine.

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So let’s start with the details
-16"x16"x23" locking terrarium
-150 watt CHE
-small 8 watt UTH
-coconut fiber bedding
-a half-log hideout (I'll be adding another hide)
-misting 2-3 times a day

He's had a mass of 103-106 grams

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Based on the previous thread there is little to no info on temps aside from them being wrong, enclosure is also wrong so is the hide so not it's not fine.

It was suggested before and I will again since your issue is 100% husbandry related https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-hatchling-101

Once you do the change you can offer F/T however if it does not work you will have to offer live whether you are a rodent owner or not and whether you like it or not because a 106 grams snake should not go without food for 3 months, and if it does not eat it’s because it’s not fine, at that age they are voracious and the less it will eat the more it will become a viscous circle.

Everyone else has already covered it !!! Listen to that great advice.

One more thing, just how vigorously are you wiggling the rodent? Some BP's can become downright intimidated by the "death dance". Don't "bump" the BP with the rodent or move it to wildly. It can make some BP's get scared and back down. Even leaving the rodent overnight might not work anymore once they are "spooked" by it.

You'll figure it out. Just cover all your bases, check off all the advice given, and then..patience :)

I'll keep trying it out. I'm quite the impatient person, lol. I'll get a pic of the setup ASAP. The current temps stay around 80-92 degrees Fahrenheit, I need more variation in the cooler side. May I ask how is the enclosure wrong? I thought ball pythons, especially young ones are better in smaller, more cozier enclosures. It's the only snake-appropriate enclosure I have currently. I've been offering every week, typically on the weekends.
I'm really concerned about him not eating. He's not losing weight so that's good, but still quite concerned.
Basic setup, ignore my reflection. Btw, is that too hot??
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8a219df48d.jpg

Try offering every 2 weeks instead of every week. Maybe I missed it but how often are you handling him?

I'm noting that your accurite is reading 94 . Where is your probe located? Is that reading your hot spot surface temp or ambient? In either case 94 is too hot! I recommend getting a temp gun for accurate surface temps.

The picture is hard to make outcertain details but from what I can see you don't have appropriate or matching hides.Ball pythons like low, snug fitting hides so it fits them like a turtle shell. The tree stump hide while fun for climbing and as a spare hide, is much too tall and the hole is too big where your bp is too exposed. I can't even make out what the other hide is. You would benefit from more fake plants to hang for added cover because there is plenty of open air space. Remember they like shelter not just clutter since they are usually expecting to be attacked from above by a predator.

Or simply follow Deborah's advice.

And echoing Kiras question have you been handling your ball python or not? This is critical information.

No, I have not been handling him recently. I'm pretty sure it's reading ambience, in that case I'll get a lower wattage CHE right away! Thank you for your input on the hides, the other one is just a half log pushed up against the side so that only one side is exposed (he uses it often) and the other is just for backup. I'll change those up and add more plants, I did have two branches crossing the center, should I put those back for the time being?

Edit: I have the Acurite set to indoor and it didn't come with a probe, unless you are counting the white probe used for hanging outdoors? Should I change it to outdoors?

I checked the Acurite again, it dropped to 84. 82-86 seems to be around the average temp overall, though I can be way off. I notice that my room was significantly warmer when I took the pic, which may have contributed to the Acurite reading the temp as higher than it was. Just a thought.
He was hiding behind the tall tree, he's definitely looking for a better hide. I have some of those small igloos I use for my hamsters, if I clean them maybe I can use them temporarily?

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.

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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.

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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 :)

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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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Originally Posted by Zincubus

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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Thank you! I love this little guy. I would like to get the heat lamp regulated, but I don't know how to attach the probe??
Also, is small space good or bad? I don't really understand lol


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See, you're on the right track!!!! And we're here to help.

I apologize if I could have worded the reply about the stickies better. It was just meant to steer you in the right direction and clear things up a bit. The stickies become stickies because they are tried and true and proven to be very helpful. They tend to answer a lot of questions all in one spot to streamline the learning curve.

You'll have it all dialed in soon and you'll be able to enjoy your new pet rather than stress over it. Keep asking questions and applying what you learn and you'll be good to go.

I personally have never used tubs, so I can't offer advice there, but I know tons of experienced keepers on this forum have/currently do.

Just keep learning and you'll find what works best for you and your snake. There's not one "right" way to do things, but the basics remain the same.

And I promise, once you have everything set up and dialed in it really does get easy. Just check your equipment daily and you're good to go, the equipment does the work for you.

Is his tank near a high traffic area in your house? Lots of tv noise, dogs barking, or just people keep walking by his tank during the day? You did not disclose that detail in your list. And UTH from 80-87 is weird to me... A bp needs no less than 85 if I recall correctly. Some snakes like to dig. I use aspen for mine even though he does not use it, my other python (not a bp) does though.

Did you try the 6 qt method from Deb? I did that and my bp started to eat.

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Thank you! I love this little guy. I would like to get the heat lamp regulated, but I don't know how to attach the probe??
Also, is small space good or bad? I don't really understand lol


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Well they do like to be able to move around and at the moment there doesn't appear to be much floor space available to even get around the tank ... as I said you can add a few branches and fake plants just to give him something to climb over and around ..

Here's one of mine although even this one is 'work in progress' ...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1e925f2826.jpg

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Well they do like to be able to move around and at the moment there doesn't appear to be much floor space available to even get around the tank ... as I said you can add a few branches and fake plants just to give him something to climb over and around ..

Here's one of mine although even this one is 'work in progress' ...

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...1e925f2826.jpg

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Ah I see! Luckily I have some branches for him to climb on, so that'll satisfy for now. Heading to the pet store in a moment, I'll be picking up more hides and leaves for him.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Ah I see! Luckily I have some branches for him to climb on, so that'll satisfy for now. Heading to the pet store in a moment, I'll be picking up more hides and leaves for him.


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.....and a smaller water dish .... Just has to be heavy not plastic ..


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e2bb7786b3.jpg
New setup. I tried not to move around too much, but overall I think it's fine for right now. Added new plants, got a new low hide, switched the half log for a full log and put the branches back in for more cover. I decided to ditch the heat lamp for right now as it became wayyyy too hot (97 degrees, eeeek!!) He moved from the center of the tank to the new hide that is placed over the UTH, I think he's enjoying ithttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf389d72c1.jpg
Any other suggestions?

Btw yes the temp is at 72. I literally go on vacation tomorrow so I can't exactly adjust heating currently. I'd rather it be room temp rather than scorching hot, but if that's not good please tell me. Any advice on getting the heating right is greatly appreciated.

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e2bb7786b3.jpg
New setup. I tried not to move around too much, but overall I think it's fine for right now. Added new plants, got a new low hide, switched the half log for a full log and put the branches back in for more cover. I decided to ditch the heat lamp for right now as it became wayyyy too hot (97 degrees, eeeek!!) He moved from the center of the tank to the new hide that is placed over the UTH, I think he's enjoying ithttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...cf389d72c1.jpg
Any other suggestions?

Btw yes the temp is at 72. I literally go on vacation tomorrow so I can't exactly adjust heating currently. I'd rather it be room temp rather than scorching hot, but if that's not good please tell me. Any advice on getting the heating right is greatly appreciated.

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Sounds like progress [emoji4]

Isn't there a heat mat with a stat though ?

Surely the warm side surface temp should be higher than room temp?

Or have I missed something in all the different posts ??

What about that huge water dish !?

It's realty not required in such a small floor space ( for a Royal £ .

If it's been replaced already just ignore me [emoji4]


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

Sounds like progress [emoji4]

Isn't there a heat mat with a stat though ?

Surely the warm side surface temp should be higher than room temp?

Or have I missed something in all the different posts ??

What about that huge water dish !?

It's realty not required in such a small floor space ( for a Royal £ .

If it's been replaced already just ignore me [emoji4]


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Yes there is a heat mat with a thermostat. The heat lamp was getting way too hot, so I ditched it for the time being. As for the water dish, I still have to switch it out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Yes there is a heat mat with a thermostat. The heat lamp was getting way too hot, so I ditched it for the time being. As for the water dish, I still have to switch it out.

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You mentioned 'the' temp was 72F !?

What temp is that again - the warm , cool or ambient ?

It's getting rather puzzling to be honest.

What exactly are you using to take the warm hide surface temps again ??

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

You mentioned 'the' temp was 72F !?

What temp is that again - the warm , cool or ambient ?


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Oh no no no, that's the ambient!! The heat lamp made the tank way too hot in the high 90s, so I turned it off until I can figure out how to adjust it. The heat mat stays in the 80s, but if that's not right please tell me.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

Oh no no no, that's the ambient!! The heat lamp made the tank way too hot in the high 90s, so I turned it off until I can figure out how to adjust it. The heat mat stays in the 80s, but if that's not right please tell me.


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If the warmest surface is under the warm hide and that's 80F then that's fine providing you've used a reliable thermometer..





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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

If the warmest surface is under the warm hide and that's 80F then that's fine providing you've used a reliable thermometer..

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Unless I’m missing something here, no 80 for a hot spot temp is not okay! It’s too low and honestly that should be a cool side temp.

Op my first question is how are you measuring that temperature exactly? Because keep in mind there is a difference between ambient and surface temperatures. In order to get an accurate surface temp for your hot spot you need to measure the temp UNDER the substrate where you heat mat is, preferably with a temp gun.

Your hot spot should be around 88-90 for optimal digestion, just make sure the hottest surface your bp can touch does not exceed 92. Again to ensure that I highly advise getting a hold of a temp gun which are fairly inexpensive on amazon.

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Originally Posted by MissterDog

Unless I’m missing something here, no 80 for a hot spot temp is not okay! It’s too low and honestly that should be a cool side temp.

Op my first question is how are you measuring that temperature exactly? Because keep in mind there is a difference between ambient and surface temperatures. In order to get an accurate surface temp for your hot spot you need to measure the temp UNDER the substrate where you heat mat is, preferably with a temp gun.

Your hot spot should be around 88-90 for optimal digestion, just make sure the hottest surface your bp can touch does not exceed 92. Again to ensure that I highly advise getting a hold of a temp gun which are fairly inexpensive on amazon.

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I'm getting confused myself now ..

I'm posting on a Corn snake thread as well as a few others !



Apologies .. of course 80 isnt too bad for a Corn Snake but it isn't close enough to be ok for a Royal !!

I have asked a few times HOW he's measuring these temps and I still don't know the answer .
That's a big concern right there .

That said if he's going on vacation I dare say 80F maybe better than leaving that unregulated bulb pump out crazy temperatures....


I really don't know how this is gonna end up tbh ...


Maybe better leaving it in a local pet store for a couple of weeks - they do snake sitting over there , I presume ?

He could leave it there , have a vacation and sort the set up properly then get the snake back ... sorted !


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Zincubus

I'm getting confused myself now ..

I'm posting on a Corn snake thread as well as a few others !



Apologies .. of course 80 isnt too bad for a Corn Snake but it isn't close enough to be ok for a Royal !!

I have asked a few times HOW he's measuring these temps and I still don't know the answer .
That's a big concern right there .

That said if he's going on vacation I dare say 80F maybe better than leaving that unregulated bulb pump out crazy temperatures....


I really don't know how this is gonna end up tbh ...


Maybe better leaving it in a local pet store for a couple of weeks - they do snake sitting over there , I presume ?

He could leave it there , have a vacation and sort the set up properly then get the snake back ... sorted !


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Haha I’ve done the same thing before by mistake so no worries :p


OP does have a thermostat for their heatmat so they could adjust the temp HOWEVER I agree the uncertainty of how OP is measuring surface temps is concerning, even more when vacation is limiting options and time for adjustments. Very tricky situation :(

Not entirely sure how much I’d trust a local pet shop for sitting given how most employees are not knowledgeable and could make things worse. That and the possibility of getting mites. It’s another option at least but not without risks. Unless OP could hire a pet sitter familiar/experienced with snakes to look after them?

OP we wish you luck and hope for the best so when you return from vacation you can get everything sorted if you are unable to before leaving.

I have a temp gun to determine surface temps. As for the heat mat, it doesn't stay at 80. Most of the time it is between 82 and 89, and then some. I have my uncle staying home who has snake experience to keep sn eye on him.

This is all too confusing [emoji37]

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

I have a temp gun to determine surface temps. As for the heat mat, it doesn't stay at 80. Most of the time it is between 82 and 89, and then some. I have my uncle staying home who has snake experience to keep sn eye on him.

This is all too confusing [emoji37]

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how does your heat may fluctuate? Isn't it on a thermostat? Does it fluctuate because you measure the temp in one spot then you move the temp gun and it changes where the probe sits because of the bubble?

And I'm back! Came home the other night and checked on everyone, all animals are doing just fine. Asriel's been curled up in his log that fits like a turtle shell like you suggested, so that's good. Hopefully the week I've been gone allowed him to chill out for a bit, however I did vacuum today so it may have set him back a bit. I'll allow another few days then I'll try offering again. I turned the lamp back on, the warm side is 80-88 and the cool side is 74-79. The log is on the cool side.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlipsideRuffian

And I'm back! Came home the other night and checked on everyone, all animals are doing just fine. Asriel's been curled up in his log that fits like a turtle shell like you suggested, so that's good. Hopefully the week I've been gone allowed him to chill out for a bit, however I did vacuum today so it may have set him back a bit. I'll allow another few days then I'll try offering again. I turned the lamp back on, the warm side is 80-88 and the cool side is 74-79. The log is on the cool side.

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When you have a go at feeding try the hairdryer method if you haven't used it in the past [emoji6]


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My guy stopped eating as well. I switched from frozen-thawed to live, and as a matter of fact, he ate 5 live mouse fuzzies this afternoon. He is 22" long 78 grams, and not quite a year old. I wasn't sure if he would eat them all, but he never hesitated. I am now hoping he didn't over-eat. Is that a thing? My previous BP starved herself to death. I never tried live-food with her, (since she was weened on frozen-thawed), which was all I didn't try. I tried force feeding and everything else, but she still refused. I was devastated. Not going to let that happen again! Finding live fuzzies without having to buy in bulks of 50 was a challenge. It is a 50 mile drive to DFW Reptarium in Plano, Tx, but it was well worh it to see my guy eat so hearty. Shout out to DFW Reptarium! Great staff and gorgeous inventory! I wish you all the best! https://i.imgur.com/x1CH3uU.jpg