Trouble feeding northern pine snake.

Hello! New member here. All of my snake experience is with ball pythons. Though, I recently recieved my first colubrid, a very feisty albino northern pine snake. I have had her since 12/29/16 and have attempted to feed her two times. She has refused both times. She strikes the food but will not constrict it. There seems to be limited and conflicting information on caring for pine snakes on the internet. Any constructive criticism is welcome and would be appreciated, Thank you!

Relevant information: feeding f/t hopper mice, kept in cb-70 rack controlled by herpstat 1, hot spot is 90f cool side doesn't fall below 75f, tub is cluttered with plastic leaves, humidity is 52%, snake is 99g and has obviously eaten before, i do not handle the snake.

Let her settle into her new enclosure for a week then offer again.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bee101

I have had her since 12/29/16 and have attempted to feed her two times. She has refused both times. She strikes the food but will not constrict it.

---

Very few of my pits actually constrict their f/t prey. Most just snatch it and immediately begin walking it down. Make sure you're offering it steadily and head first. Getting a clean strike right on the nose could prompt your girl into eating a bit sooner. She could be a bit stressed from the environment change and needing to be left alone for a while - at least until she's feeding strong. Some snakes settle faster than others, some will eat the day they arrive, others may take weeks to adjust. Regardless, offering food seldom expedites the process. Stick to weekly offerings and minimal interactions until she's feeding.

Thanks for the reply! I'll try again next week.

I agree that you should avoid handling and continue to offer food weekly. I'd also lower your warm side temps a little. I usually keep my pits hot spot at 84-86 max and they really only use it after eating.