New Scrub - Very Frightened / Nervous

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wnateg

The breeder said ft small rats. But these experiences leave me to believe that wasnt really the case.

So my thought might be she was eating mice. And shes unfamiliar with rat scent, so shes just trying to defend, not feed?

---

Could be. Have you tried leaving f/t in cage at night & staying away until morning? Seems like fear (either of prey, or of you, or both) keeps freaking her out & cancelling
out her hunger.

How often have you been trying to feed? (best not to offer more than once a week, just makes 'em more nervous)

8/25 - ft small rat, left overnight
Shed 8/29
8/31 - ft small rat, left overnight
9/7 - ft small rat, left overnight, struck at it
9/21 - ft small rat, left overnight
9/28 - live small rat, struck at it

Only once did she acknowledge that the rat was prey, when I caught her out and about and offered it. She struck, but seemed to be self defence, not feeding.

And after I dangle for 5 minutes or so, I leave the room because she is scared of me, so I dont want to disturb her.

And just to keep everyone updated on the situation:
Humidity is about 65%
Cool side is about 80 and warm side is about 90, hides on both sidds
Shes in that tub in that picture, it's about 3 ft long. Shes about high 6, maybe 7 ft long.

Well, if you've only tried rats (as seller told you) I think I'd try a mouse now...not much to lose? I feel for your frustration...can't see anything you're doing wrong,
but maybe the seller has given you incorrect information.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bogertophis

Well, if you've only tried rats (as seller told you) I think I'd try a mouse now...not much to lose? I feel for your frustration...can't see anything you're doing wrong,
but maybe the seller has given you incorrect information.

---

Yes, I think that's a good plan. I think I have an extra mouse in my freezer anyway.

I think you're trying a little too hard. If she's almost two then she was obviously eating before you got her so she won't starve. I would leave her alone. Let her get comfortable before offering any more food. She'll eat when she's hungry. Scrubs are often nervous and defensive. My male has gotten better after 14 months but he still prefers to be left alone. I have my scrub in a tank now too but I started him out in a smaller tub. You could try covering the sides of her enclosure to see if it gives her more of a sense of security. I would try feeding her when you see her comfortably perching and cruising her enclosure.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by EL-Ziggy

I think you're trying a little too hard. If she's almost two then she was obviously eating before you got her so she won't starve. I would leave her alone. Let her get comfortable before offering any more food. She'll eat when she's hungry. Scrubs are often nervous and defensive. My male has gotten better after 14 months but he still prefers to be left alone. I have my scrub in a tank now too but I started him out in a smaller tub. You could try covering the sides of her enclosure to see if it gives her more of a sense of security. I would try feeding her when you see her comfortably perching and cruising her enclosure.

---

Thatd definitely part of the problem at least, I think. She is very skittish.
But when I'm not around, she does explore and perch and such. I'm converting my closet to a reptile room, so I actually just moved her into there, so she's surrounded by walls on 3 sides, and she'll only see me when I check in on everything. Maybe that'll help.

Are you on Facebook?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Team Slytherin

Are you on Facebook?

---

I have a Facebook, yea. Why?

https://i.imgur.com/kPWttTR.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Team Slytherin

Are you on Facebook?

---

Messaged one of your suggestions, and he said to trying ft quail or day old chicks would be my best bet. So I'll try that, for sure. And considering the size, it's probably not CH, but wild. So that would definitely explain the behavior. Definitely not buying from that seller again then.