BP not eating.... winter hibernation?

[ento890]

Hi everyone.

I got a male BP in a trade about 1.5-2 months ago off craigslist. This guy is tame and beautiful and VERY thick and healthy looking (even though he has not eaten for me once). I have tried every method I can think of (except live rats).
I have give him:
Frozen mice/rat
Live mouse
Chicken broth dipped mouse/rat
Rat/mouse in dark box for a few hours
Rat/mouse left in cage overnight
Moved rat/mouse around with tweezer
Brained rat/mouse

I have kept tons of BP's and have never had a problem. He is in a 20 gallon long tank on aspen with a heating pad (kept at 91 degrees via temp gun), a water bowl big enough to soak in, humidity around 50-60. He made one perfect shed a few days after I got him.

I feel so bad for this guy. He doesn't look to be suffering AT ALL. I really haven't handled him at all and left him alone hoping he would adjust quicker.

Could he just be in a hibernation mode?
Should I try ASF's?

[ptate]

Some snakes are just super shy and need to be housed in a dark enclosure to feel secure enough to eat. I had bought a female yellowbelly that refused to eat for me for a month until i switched her to a different rack without clear tubs. I left her in there for 2 weeks before offering food and now she doesnt miss a meal.
Also dont offer food to him more than once a week. If you try to shove food in his face every couple days, it will just make it worse.
Good luck!

[ento890]

Thank you. I'll try taping dark construction paper around the enclosure or cardboard. I only offer him food once every saturday (ratterday saturday... lame I know but it helps me remember).

[ptate]

Your'e welcome and i hope it works for you! (ratterday...lol)