Leonidas Rosy Boa Progression Thread

Tomorrow I venture off with my son all the way to Monroe to pick up my Hypo San Matias Rosy Boa and some mice. I was able to work something out with my breeder to get him to ship, he was worried because of the high temps during the day. He decided to ship in the evening so the snake will arrive on the cool early hours of the morning. My wife has named him Leonidas so let it be so lol I am quite excited because I’ve been waiting since the end of June [emoji16][emoji1688]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...0a65f5fc47.jpg

One of these beauties will be coming home with me tomorrow. [emoji216]


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Well, you can't go wrong...they're all adorable. :love:

Have they eaten a few times yet? Not all rosies are strong feeders right off...would be best for you if your neonate has fed already.

They are so cute, congrats on the new boa, you should pick the one on the left... Just kidding they all look very alike, I'd pick whichever one comes slithering out wanting your warmth. :)

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, you can't go wrong...they're all adorable. :love:

Have they eaten a few times yet? Not all rosies are strong feeders right off...would be best for you if your neonate has fed already.

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They have eaten twice and shed once. Ryan does not send his snakes off unless they have eaten twice and shed. I’m going to buy a live mouse tomorrow to be on the safe side for my first feed because I don’t believe he has them on f/t yet.


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Originally Posted by Valyndris

They are so cute, congrats on the new boa, you should pick the one on the left... Just kidding they all look very alike, I'd pick whichever one comes slithering out wanting your warmth. :)

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I wanted the San Felipe’s Ghost a little more because they are more faded but the liter was over a month behind schedule as far as being born then I would still have to wait another 3 weeks. They look pretty close to the Ghost and where cheaper :)


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

They have eaten twice and shed once. Ryan does not send his snakes off unless they have eaten twice and shed. I’m going to buy a live mouse tomorrow to be on the safe side for my first feed because I don’t believe he has them on f/t yet.


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Ask first if they've taken live or f/t, don't assume. And probably too early to buy a live pinky to feed your new snake: better you don't feed a new snake for at least a few
days (new homes are scary...they need time to settle in), & a pinky will only suffer & die before your snake is ready for it.

Leonidas is finally here, the lady at FedEx pissed me off highly when I got there because I told her it was a live pet and she set it on the counter side ways even though there’s arrows all around. But I digress, Ryan did a wonderful job at packaging and over all I feel very good about doing business with him. Leonidas is finally out of the heat and humidity and in his home.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...824c5b8176.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...3c74ebd7f8.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e905c74e59.jpg


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Ha, what a tiny & cute little 'worm'. Welcome Home! :snake:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Ha, what a tiny & cute little 'worm'. Welcome Home! :snake:

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He’s not stopped moving since I’ve put him in his enclosure, my breeder said he’s not fed him in 5 days so should I try and feed him tomorrow?


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I'd wait a few days...snakes don't eat on schedule in real life, & a few more days will help assure that yours is settled in (less likely to regurge from stress) & hungry
(less likely to refuse & waste food). But it's your snake...do what you want & deal with the consequences. He's not stopped moving because it's all a strange new
world to him...he's looking for his familiar territory (sorry pal). Takes time for a snake to settle in...don't handle & give him hides...be patient.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I'd wait a few days...snakes don't eat on schedule in real life, & a few more days will help assure that yours is settled in (less likely to regurge from stress) & hungry
(less likely to refuse & waste food). But it's your snake...do what you want & deal with the consequences. He's not stopped moving because it's all a strange new
world to him...he's looking for his familiar territory (sorry pal). Takes time for a snake to settle in...don't handle & give him hides...be patient.

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Yeah I’m not going to touch him, I pretty much just took him out and sat him in there. I’ll give it a few days before I feed him that’s honestly best for his benefit. He’s very cute and it’s cool to watch him slither on everything. I’m so happy I finally have a snake again.


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I was wondering is it normal for him to be wondering around as much as he has been? He’s been coming out at odd times of the day, the over cast the last couple days might be confusing him though.


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He's still checking out this whole new "world" he's got now. Wouldn't worry about it, & I hope he's working up an appetite too. Baby snakes are gonna do what
they do...my little rat snake was squished underneath her moss container today, her tail sticking out one side & her nose was out the other side, aiming for the
exact spot where she last ate. Pretty smart...the moss container has corner legs about .25" or a bit less, just enough space for a tiny snake to be underneath. ;)
But earlier today she was perched up on top of the moss container, boldly watching me walk in the room. They usually get more active when they start getting
hungry...it's a good thing. Mine last ate on the 13th, & the longest she's gone was 6 days between meals, most meals were 3-4 days apart- she's a good eater.
I hope yours is too. :snake:

Just reviewed your earlier post about when he was last fed...you might try feeding him soon, I'm betting he'll eat, from what you've said.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He's still checking out this whole new "world" he's got now. Wouldn't worry about it, & I hope he's working up an appetite too. Baby snakes are gonna do what
they do...my little rat snake was squished underneath her moss container today, her tail sticking out one side & her nose was out the other side, aiming for the
exact spot where she last ate. Pretty smart...the moss container has corner legs about .25" or a bit less, just enough space for a tiny snake to be underneath. ;)
But earlier today she was perched up on top of the moss container, boldly watching me walk in the room. They usually get more active when they start getting
hungry...it's a good thing. Mine last ate on the 13th, & the longest she's gone was 6 days between meals, most meals were 3-4 days apart- she's a good eater.
I hope yours is too. :snake:

Just reviewed your earlier post about when he was last fed...you might try feeding him soon, I'm betting he'll eat, from what you've said.

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I’m going to try and feed him Thursday, I hope he takes a frozen thawed, I’ve been researching for days some tricks to help out. I can’t find anywhere that sells live pinky’s around here.


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

I’m going to try and feed him Thursday, I hope he takes a frozen thawed, I’ve been researching for days some tricks to help out. I can’t find anywhere that sells live pinky’s around here.


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Finger's crossed for ya...by then he'll be good & hungry. :gj: Pinks thaw fast, you can warm a bit but remember to pinch the nose hard w/ your tongs before offering too-
that releases a bit more scent. Slight jiggle from tongs, going slightly away from him (not towards). You can do this!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Finger's crossed for ya...by then he'll be good & hungry. :gj: Pinks thaw fast, you can warm a bit but remember to pinch the nose hard w/ your tongs before offering too-
that releases a bit more scent. Slight jiggle from tongs, going slightly away from him (not towards). You can do this!

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I’m going to make sure and do that is the kind of tips I was looking for lol do your Rosie’s eat F/T? What I was considering doing since he’s never had Frozen thawed was heating it up by his cage so he can smell it. I have read using the basking lamp to heat the mouse works wonders too, would you suggest me trying a little extra since he’s been started on live? My ball python would just eat them no problem, I would have to wiggle them but that was it.


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

I’m going to make sure and do that is the kind of tips I was looking for lol do your Rosie’s eat F/T? What I was considering doing since he’s never had Frozen thawed was heating it up by his cage so he can smell it. I have read using the basking lamp to heat the mouse works wonders too, would you suggest me trying a little extra since he’s been started on live? My ball python would just eat them no problem, I would have to wiggle them but that was it.


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Pinkies are very small...you'll be cooking them in no time & I wouldn't bother doing that (heating). I do not heat mice for my rosies (neither the one I still have nor for all
the ones I've had in the past, various adults & over 50 neonates raised) & they don't have much scent (no hair yet), that's why I said to pinch the nose. Just use tongs, let him see a little wiggle & catch the scent enough to track it & let him catch it. Think positive. :snake: If this doesn't work, then try other things...otherwise you may be stuck doing all that stuff, LOL.

BTW, I ended up giving another pinky (f/t) to Milagro last night...I go by activity & appearance...she looked empty & was "looking for a meal". She's pretty shy yet
(about taking from tongs) so she took the pinky while in her cardboard tube...left just outside, she came out to sniff it & then dragged it inside to swallow under cover.

FYI- This is typical behavior for many hatchlings, in case your rosy refuses to take from tongs. This had been 4 days since her previous meal, which was well-digested,
& since she's so tiny there was no reason to make her wait. This is true no matter what kind of 'baby' snake you have. And yes, I "pinched" the nose of the pinky before
offering...it helped her find the right place to grab, though she ate one backwards previously...I was impressed! But it took her a long time, lol. This is basically just giving
a little help with your kid's homework. ;) LOL

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

BTW, I ended up giving another pinky (f/t) to Milagro last night...I go by activity & appearance...she looked empty & was "looking for a meal". She's pretty shy yet
(about taking from tongs) so she took the pinky while in her cardboard tube...left just outside, she came out to sniff it & then dragged it inside to swallow under cover.

FYI- This is typical behavior for many hatchlings, in case your rosy refuses to take from tongs. This had been 4 days since her previous meal, which was well-digested,
& since she's so tiny there was no reason to make her wait. This is true no matter what kind of 'baby' snake you have. And yes, I "pinched" the nose of the pinky before
offering...it helped her find the right place to grab, though she ate one backwards previously...I was impressed! But it took her a long time, lol. This is basically just giving
a little help with your kid's homework. ;) LOL

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He’s definitely exhibiting hunting behavior so I’m sure he’s hungry, tomorrow I’m going to try and feed then update. I’m going to pinch the nose like you said and if that does not work I’ll place them in a bowl together. That made me laugh out loud [emoji23] I can’t imagine watching a snake eat backwards.


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

...That made me laugh out loud [emoji23] I can’t imagine watching a snake eat backwards...

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They're often too stubborn to spit it out & try again, so they keep working their jaws with the rodent's back legs sticking out either side...:rofl: This was only a pinky so finally they just folded in, but it was slow-going for such a little hatchling to finally get it swallowed. Silly sneks! They sometimes mistakenly choose to grab the part with the most scent, which tends to be the rodents tail. ;)

Just priced everything on EBay, to have the most natural habitat I can create (minus using care fresh) it will only cost me about $40 to add a backdrop, fake desert plants and a couple natural looking wood and rock hides. I want to get rid of all the plastic eventually.


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https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...73be0bf96a.jpg
He’s out and about right now, my son is absolutely fascinated with Leo and I’m doing my best to not handle him as hard as it is lol


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What's with the "high beam ceilings"? I'd probably push those hides down into the substrate so they aren't so "open" & tall. Likewise, with the cardboard rolls,
flatten them first, so they end up with an elliptical cave that has more "back pressure". He's a cutie! But just look for now...:colbert: No touchy! hahaha!

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

What's with the "high beam ceilings"? I'd probably push those hides down into the substrate so they aren't so "open" & tall. Likewise, with the cardboard rolls,
flatten them first, so they end up with an elliptical cave that has more "back pressure". He's a cutie! But just look for now...:colbert: No touchy! hahaha!

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I’ll give that a try for sure :) the plastic hide I bought was the smallest one they had. I plan on replacing them all to look more natural sometime in the next few months but I promise I won’t touch for a while lol


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

I’ll give that a try for sure :) the plastic hide I bought was the smallest one they had. I plan on replacing them all to look more natural sometime in the next few months but I promise I won’t touch for a while lol


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Baby snakes are growing...you don't have to buy plastic hides unless you like spending $...many things work, like small clean boxes w/ doorways cut in, plus then you
can toss & replace them when they get soiled. I know "natural-looking" is cool, don't get me wrong. Young rosy boas enjoy tunneling & hiding in Carefresh or paper
shreds, & you can add low branches they'll check out & climb on (to develop their abs, lol). Baby snakes of all kinds like crumpled paper towels loosely shoved into
those bigger hides too. Just suggestions, it's your snake. ;)

If you're looking for cheap, small hides, terracotta pots and saucers are really cheap. I flipped the saucers upside down and half-buried them for my japanese rat snake, and they make perfect tight-fitting hides.

Fyi, becareful with using Care Fresh for reptiles. I use them for my bunny's litterbox and hamster (when he was around). While it does a good job keeping things dry and soaks up the urine well, it can dry up the enclosure more than you want to, especially when it needs some humidity for shedding (That can be remedied with a humid hide but that is another thing that takes up space). Most importantly, if it accidentally swallows a little bit of it during feeding, this stuff swells up 2-3 times its size and that can be troublesome if it gets stuck in its guts. You can also remedy that by feeding it in a tub or on a plate. It is a little more work and troublesome than aspen.

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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

Fyi, becareful with using Care Fresh for reptiles. I use them for my bunny's litterbox and hamster (when he was around). While it does a good job keeping things dry and soaks up the urine well, it can dry up the enclosure more than you want to, especially when it needs some humidity for shedding (That can be remedied with a humid hide but that is another thing that takes up space). Most importantly, if it accidentally swallows a little bit of it during feeding, this stuff swells up 2-3 times its size and that can be troublesome if it gets stuck in its guts. You can also remedy that by feeding it in a tub or on a plate. It is a little more work and troublesome than aspen.

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Rosy boas are primarily a desert species & I've not had any shed-difficulties with any rosy boas I've raised or kept on it. I usually do mix it with clean paper shreds from my own shredder, just to lighten it up some, & I agree, it's always best to feed on a "plate" & avoid letting a snake swallow substrate of any kind. I've never cared for aspen...& I concur that Carefresh is hygroscopic (lowers humidity by absorbing moisture from the air)...I currently reside in a state with plenty of humidity, so that's a plus, but it's something to be aware of, depending on what kind of snakes you're keeping. It's a good product, IMO, when used the right way. I've been using it for many years.

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Originally Posted by Cheesenugget

Fyi, becareful with using Care Fresh for reptiles. I use them for my bunny's litterbox and hamster (when he was around). While it does a good job keeping things dry and soaks up the urine well, it can dry up the enclosure more than you want to, especially when it needs some humidity for shedding (That can be remedied with a humid hide but that is another thing that takes up space). Most importantly, if it accidentally swallows a little bit of it during feeding, this stuff swells up 2-3 times its size and that can be troublesome if it gets stuck in its guts. You can also remedy that by feeding it in a tub or on a plate. It is a little more work and troublesome than aspen.

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I appreciate the advise, I might change it in the future if I want to do a more naturalistic look since I only own one snake, but for now with the high humidity here it’s been a perfect fit for me. I’ll make sure and use a feeding dish. I had no idea it swells like that.


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Just and update, Leo did not eat last night even with the bowl trick, I offered him some water and in a few more days I’ll try again. I found a live alternative as well, I can drive an hour one way and pick up live mice if I need too but obviously that’s not ideal. He pooped when I let him out of the bowl so maybe he needed to make that BM first lol


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

Just and update, Leo did not eat last night even with the bowl trick...He pooped when I let him out of the bowl...

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"bowl trick"? "when I let him out of the bowl"???

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

"bowl trick"? "when I let him out of the bowl"???

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A lot of people have suggested to me to place him in a small bowl with the mouse for an hour and check on him afterwords. A lot of people do it with Rosy’s and apparently it works. This was after he did not take the F/T normally though.


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

A lot of people have suggested to me to place him in a small bowl with the mouse for an hour and check on him afterwords. A lot of people do it with Rosy’s and apparently it works. This was after he did not take the F/T normally though.


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That's what I thought you meant...and that required "handling" the snake. :( I would not have advised that. What you described does work with some snakes, & some
of the time...many pet stores put snakes in a bag with the pinky & clip it shut for a few hours or overnight. Is he using any of his hides yet? You might have been better
off putting the pinky on a small jar lid (as a "plate") & leave that in his hide overnight, but without handling or restraining him. You said this "was after he did not take
the F/T normally though"? So you tried offering to him from tongs, with a slight motion/jiggle, & that was a no-go? In any event I'd wait a week now before trying again.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

That's what I thought you meant...and that required "handling" the snake. :( I would not have advised that. What you described does work with some snakes, & some
of the time...many pet stores put snakes in a bag with the pinky & clip it shut for a few hours or overnight. Is he using any of his hides yet? You might have been better
off putting the pinky on a small jar lid (as a "plate") & leave that in his hide overnight, but without handling or restraining him. You said this "was after he did not take
the F/T normally though"? So you tried offering to him from tongs, with a slight motion/jiggle, & that was a no-go? In any event I'd wait a week now before trying again.

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I planned on waiting another week because I gave him water last night, I did use the tongs and wiggle him around and he looked for a little but did not take. I seriously thought he might, the temps where right and everything. I used my heat gun to check the mouse. He uses all of his hides and burrows most of the day. When I put him in the bowl it rather easy and did not require much more than a quick scoop. I’m trying to touch him as little as possible, I’ve not been opening his enclosure at all. I left the mouse by the hide on his flat rock for most of the night. I was up really early and after the mouse sitting in there for 5-6 hours I knew it was time to go ahead and take it out and give him water. I’ll try again a couple times with the f/t and if it does not work I’ll go the live route, I’m really hoping he will eat consistently on the f/t. Apparently the bowl trick is praised in the Rosy boy community, it did not work last time so I see no reason to try it again because apparently it’s a fail safe, huge quotes on “apparently.”


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You just need to be careful...this rosy only ate twice before you got him...that's not much for a rosy boa. When I raised & sold rosies, none of them ate fewer
than 10 times & ALL were taking f/t easily before they left my house...that way I knew they were as well-started as could be & would be easy for a new owner.

If he's too shy to accept from tongs, I'd try leaving it on a jar lid (for a plate) inside his favorite hide -without touching him- and doing this before you turn lights
out & go to bed that night. Check in the morning & hope it's gone. Yes, wait a week before trying again. He's never taken f/t so it's a tough sell at first. It also
sounds like yours is a more docile type...the ones I raised were mostly "scrappy" (willing to bite) & they're easier to get feeding...an accidental bite gives them a
taste of food & they end up deciding to eat whatever they bit. Unless it was me, lol...I always escaped. :rofl:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You just need to be careful...this rosy only ate twice before you got him...that's not much for a rosy boa. When I raised & sold rosies, none of them ate fewer
than 10 times & ALL were taking f/t easily before they left my house...that way I knew they were as well-started as could be & would be easy for a new owner.

If he's too shy to accept from tongs, I'd try leaving it on a jar lid (for a plate) inside his favorite hide -without touching him- and doing this before you turn lights
out & go to bed that night. Check in the morning & hope it's gone. Yes, wait a week before trying again. He's never taken f/t so it's a tough sell at first. It also
sounds like yours is a more docile type...the ones I raised were mostly "scrappy" (willing to bite) & they're easier to get feeding...an accidental bite gives them a
taste of food & they end up deciding to eat whatever they bit. Unless it was me, lol...I always escaped. :rofl:

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He’s very very docile for sure. When I first picked him up to take him out of his original shipping package he did not even care. Did not pay me a single bit of attention. I’m going to do exactly what you suggested on his next feeding. I honestly don’t think I like the baby snake phase very much and If he never takes frozen thawed I’m definitely going to wish I chose a different breeder. I’m sure everything will be ok though [emoji41] I’m positive and Leo is always out exploring like he should at the right times.


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As he explores at night (this is typical for rosy boas), with any luck he'll come across the pinky you leave & decide it's edible...but I can't guarantee. The docile rosies
really need their instincts to kick in...some can be difficult, but overall baby snakes are pretty cute...not as helpless as human babies, but still delicate. Think positive.

Might just me being a little worry-sum, but is it normal behavior for him to curl into a ball and just lay on top of the substrate? He’s in a very good spot of the house with natural light and low traffic, his temps and humidity is right too. It’s like 11:20am here so I know it’s like the middle of the night for him lol https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...aa0a5489b2.jpg

I know the pictures not the best but he’s in the far right corner past the thermometer.


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He obviously feels safe there (tank corners give "back pressure" too). Maybe if you fixed the hides like I suggested...? ;)

I'm surprised he isn't burrowing, though he's probably never had anything to burrow into before now, so it may take a little time for
that too...everything is new to him, & scary.

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

He obviously feels safe there (tank corners give "back pressure" too). Maybe if you fixed the hides like I suggested...? ;)

I'm surprised he isn't burrowing, though he's probably never had anything to burrow into before now, so it may take a little time for
that too...everything is new to him, & scary.

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I pushed them way down like you suggested and he’s got paper towel rolls and a small resin rock as well, he’s got plenty of small hides and stuff to crawl into and play with, I’m trying to figure out a good way to seal this pot I have that I can use to replace the bigger black hide. It’s got a small hole at the top and that makes me uncomfortable because he could get stuck.

He’s actually been burrowing every day since I brought him home. It took him all of 10 minutes to figure out he could.

I figured he was where he felt comfortable since the room is dark enough, but since he’s been home with me that’s the first time he’s been out on top like that. I’ve seen him use both of his hides quite a bit before today so I figured it was safe to check.


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Oh, I get it...you just need something more to worry about? :rofl: I couldn't tell about the hides from that photo. :gj:

How to fix the hole in a plant pot for snake safety: glue a cork in the hole. ;) (same with driftwood holes, if big enough for a snake to get stuck in)

Glad he's burrowing...all the rosies I've ever raised have loved doing that...they left tunnels like an ant farm. :D My little Milagro (FL rat snake) is
fond of burrowing too, but she has damp moss instead...she's more of a moisture-loving kind of snake, & she's in there right now, in fact. :snake:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Oh, I get it...you just need something more to worry about? :rofl: I couldn't tell about the hides from that photo. :gj:

How to fix the hole in a plant pot for snake safety: glue a cork in the hole. ;) (same with driftwood holes, if big enough for a snake to get stuck in)

Glad he's burrowing...all the rosies I've ever raised have loved doing that...they left tunnels like an ant farm. :D My little Milagro (FL rat snake) is
fond of burrowing too, but she has damp moss instead...she's more of a moisture-loving kind of snake, & she's in there right now, in fact. :snake:

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I’ll try the cork, the hole is definitely big enough for him to outgrow, so I would have to seal it.

I’m trying not to worry lol really the only thing that worries me is him not eating yet, I hope he eats when I go to try and feed him again. He will be on 3 weeks without a meal. I just figured I would ask if sleeping on top of the substrate was normal.

I almost got bit by a Florida rat snake in the store a couple months ago, he was one feisty baby lol the ant farm thing is cool, I’m starting to see tunnels as well.


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

I’ll try the cork, the hole is definitely big enough for him to outgrow, so I would have to seal it.

I’m trying not to worry lol really the only thing that worries me is him not eating yet, I hope he eats when I go to try and feed him again. He will be on 3 weeks without a meal. I just figured I would ask if sleeping on top of the substrate was normal.

I almost got bit by a Florida rat snake in the store a couple months ago, he was one feisty baby lol the ant farm thing is cool, I’m starting to see tunnels as well.


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I hope he eats soon for you too.

As for "almost getting bit..." :O -I can assure you that you'd have recovered, lol. Typical behavior for many rat snakes, but Milagro is shy, not actively defensive, so far.
Snakes have various personalities & are reacting to us as well.

"Ant farm"- that's why I've always liked Carefresh, & especially for neonate rosy boas...it sticks together pretty well without dampness. Cool that Leo is tunneling...:snake:

That Florida rat snake was not having it lol the lady at the pet store assured me it would not hurt me if I was bit. After 3 failed attempts I just left him alone lol it was clear he did not want to be messed with.


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Originally Posted by NewmanLovesSnakes

That Florida rat snake was not having it lol the lady at the pet store assured me it would not hurt me if I was bit. After 3 failed attempts I just left him alone lol it was clear he did not want to be messed with.


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Rat snakes tend to be more "opinionated" & less laid back, especially compared to BPs or rosy boas (with exceptions all around, of course). If they were vehicles, BPs &
rosies would be golf carts & most rat snakes, while not dragsters, would at least have "a lot more under the hood". Pet stores are scary places and rat snakes will let you
know they're willing to defend themselves, that's all. :D

The adult Florida rat snakes that I've had for years now will still act a little uppity when I first take them out, like for cage cleaning, but they calm right down & never bite.
When I've taken them to public meet & greets, they've always behaved with perfect docility...because once I've picked them up at home (even briefly to pack them for the drive) they reliably "change gears" (not defensive or looking for food). First impressions can be deceiving. :snake:

Newman... I wanted to check in on you and your new addition. Still having feeding issues? I'm sure you will get it sorted out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

Newman... I wanted to check in on you and your new addition. Still having feeding issues? I'm sure you will get it sorted out.

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I’ve not tried to feed him yet, I’m going to try and feed him another frozen thawed in a few days. Any tips? He looked interested in it last time for a little but ultimately no go. I appreciate you checking on me.


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A little update on Leo, I added some more paper towel rolls and he seems to enjoy them. I’ve downsized one of his hides that was kind of big as suggested and pushed down the plastic one. I’m going to replace the other plastic one as soon as I find something I like. Also I talked to the assistant manager of the locally owned pet store I go to and she said she could help me find a runt fuzzie that should be small enough for Leo to eat. If he gets a fuzzie small enough for him to enjoy I will be pretty happy. I’m going to attempt another frozen thawed on Friday since it will have been about a week since last attempt. He’s temps and everything else is great. I also flattened the rolls after I took the picture because I almost forgot too lolhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9b5354df49.jpg


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You can also bury those cardboard rolls most of the way...think "in-ground tornado shelter", with only the doorway showing a little.

But all these changes would have been better before putting in the snake...right now, too many changes can stress him further, as can your presence in his home turf.

A live runt-fuzzy might be helpful, especially if he still won't take f/t pinkie, but keep trying f/t...you never know? I'm sure he's hungry. Thaw pinks in cool water, I do
not recommend heating them for a rosy boa (they don't have/use heat pits the way BPs do), but do pinch-damage the nose slightly right before offering to release a
little more scent. I would try offering it from tongs with a little wiggle (away from the snake, or perpendicular to him) first, but if he's uptight about that, I'd leave it
on a plastic food-lid, either inside his hide or just outside the doorway, later evening & right before lights out. Don't keep checking him, because you might show up
just at the moment he's getting brave enough to take it. Leave it & hope. Sometimes a snake will accept food when confined with it in some type of container, but
that requires picking the snake up first, & that's generally bad for shy snakes...the stress being handled makes them forget about food. Rosy boas vary quite a bit, &
some are strong feeders (& may also be biters! :rolleyes:) while others are shy & overly docile (harder to get going).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

You can also bury those cardboard rolls most of the way...think "in-ground tornado shelter", with only the doorway showing a little.

But all these changes would have been better before putting in the snake...right now, too many changes can stress him further, as can your presence in his home turf.

A live runt-fuzzy might be helpful, especially if he still won't take f/t pinkie, but keep trying f/t...you never know? I'm sure he's hungry. Thaw pinks in cool water, I do
not recommend heating them for a rosy boa (they don't have/use heat pits the way BPs do), but do pinch-damage the nose slightly right before offering to release a
little more scent. I would try offering it from tongs with a little wiggle (away from the snake, or perpendicular to him) first, but if he's uptight about that, I'd leave it
on a plastic food-lid, either inside his hide or just outside the doorway, later evening & right before lights out. Don't keep checking him, because you might show up
just at the moment he's getting brave enough to take it. Leave it & hope. Sometimes a snake will accept food when confined with it in some type of container, but
that requires picking the snake up first, & that's generally bad for shy snakes...the stress being handled makes them forget about food. Rosy boas vary quite a bit, &
some are strong feeders (& may also be biters! :rolleyes:) while others are shy & overly docile (harder to get going).

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I’m thinking I have the overly shy snake. I’m going to feed him the way you suggested and just leave it if he does not take it. I only thaw them using cold water then warm water and I check temps with my heat gun. I don’t feed the mouse if it’s over 100 degrees. He’s going to get another try with the F/T tomorrow. I’m just worried he will starve to death. He’s eaten twice before I got him and he’s not had a meal in about 4 weeks. I’m going to get the live fuzzie Monday as my last resort. Should I be this worried about him not eating or should I chill?

I’m also not going to add or touch anything else but I could tell he needed a smaller hide so that’s why I swapped. I am still learning because this is my first time with this species but I don’t believe I’m doing too bad. I have learned that I really want to avoid getting another baby snake if I have another option lol the yearling last time was a way more pleasant experience.


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