My pythons won't eat frozen

[Dug]

Hi everyone,

I have a question regarding my pythons that refuse to eat frozen rats.

The pythons are in tanks, but I have cages around the lamps so they can't burn themselves, I have aspen snake bedding, the temperature is perfect (I'm checking this every day (during the day 31-33 degrees celsius and during the night 27-29 degrees celsius) and the humidity is 50-60%, they have hiding spot and enough water.

So here's the situation:

Python X: I don't know the gender or age, probably between 1 - 2 yrs old which I bought from a pet store (I didn't do proper research and only discovered later that this was not a good idea).

I used to feed Python X live rats (mice until I discovered that he was actually big enough to eat rats) that I bought from the pet store around the corner, however, X suddenly got blood mite and I believe this was caused by one of the rats I fed (i read about other people having the same problem with rats from pet stores).

So I decided that it would be better to switch to frozen and the first time I gave frozen to X (after warming the rat up of course), X just ate the rat while it was lying on the ground without me moving it or anything. However, X didn't do this the second or third time (I made sure there was always a week between the feeding) so I did some research and watched some youtube videos on how to feed frozen, but everything I tried has failed. What happens is when I hold the rat in his tank, X gets curious and he obviously hungry and comes out of his shelter and he approaches, but he never bites it. It just seems like he doesn't have a clue what to do.

Python X has not eaten for 7 weeks now.

Python Y: Y is a female albino born in 2015 which I bought from an experienced breeder. Like most snake fanatics he kept her in a curver box and he fed her frozen rats that she always ate. However, I tried everything with her and she is not even interested. She has not eaten since I bought her 8 weeks ago.


So am I missing something here or do I have to be patient? Because I'm starting to get frustrated. Thank you in advance!

[MD_Pythons]

Do you have two hides? In cages they should have two hides so they can thermoregulate and have a place to feel secure. You might have to just give the first snake live, and could you post your setup for the second snake? It could be husbandry related.

[Sunnieskys]

Sounds like husbandry is off. Post pics and exact temps on the hot spot, cool spot and ambient temps as well.

[FracksSake]

Patience ... lots of patience as well :-)


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[Dug]

Here are two pictures of the cage (the cage of Python X is exactly the same as Python Y's cage).

http://ibb.co/g6nvw6
http://ibb.co/b86oG6

Temperature right under the hotspot is 50 degrees celsius (122 degrees fahrenheit), but that's because the lamp is shining right on the measure point, so I also measured the temperature a few cm's away from the hotspot and its 34 degrees celsius (93 degrees fahrenheit). The temperature on the cool side (above the shelter) is 28 degrees celsius (82 degrees fahrenheit).

What I forgot to say about Python X is that I used to feed him in a separate box, so not in his tank (he also ate the first frozen rat, which I mentioned, in this box). Maybe if I give him live in his tank for a while, he will get used to eating in his tank which makes it maybe easier to switch to frozen in his tank.

[Dug]

One picture is at night and the other one during the day (I measured the temperatures during the day).

[CALM Pythons]

Here are two pictures of the cage (the cage of Python X is exactly the same as Python Y's cage).

http://ibb.co/g6nvw6
http://ibb.co/b86oG6

Temperature right under the hotspot is 50 degrees celsius (122 degrees fahrenheit), but that's because the lamp is shining right on the measure point, so I also measured the temperature a few cm's away from the hotspot and its 34 degrees celsius (93 degrees fahrenheit). The temperature on the cool side (above the shelter) is 28 degrees celsius (82 degrees fahrenheit).

What I forgot to say about Python X is that I used to feed him in a separate box, so not in his tank (he also ate the first frozen rat, which I mentioned, in this box). Maybe if I give him live in his tank for a while, he will get used to eating in his tank which makes it maybe easier to switch to frozen in his tank.

Think of the snake at the measuring point. If your thermometer is measuring 122 directly under the heat source that snake will also after laying there for a while. You need to have the Hot Spot 86-91F MAX. Measuring a few centimeters away doesn't count. That temp will dry the snake to the bone and eventually kill it.
Also if I'm looking at the picture correctly there is only a cool hide? They have to have a hot hide or they wwon't lay in thewarm spot without feeling secure. I suggest you get to simple black PVC Hides like RBI sells.
They are easy to clean and light weight without any corners to get injured on.
Also whats controlling your heat? It needs to be on a Thermostat like a "Jump Start" or "Herpstat" otherwise it will change drastically as the outside and indoor temperature changes.

[Craiga 01453]

Just a few thoughts:

- I only see one hide, there should be at least two.

- I see a random probe in the middle of the enclosure. Is that a thermometer probe or thermostat probe?

- I see nothing except the single hide to offer security to the snake. Many keepers use cardboard, dark paper, etc...on the back and sides to provide security, as well as fake plants, etc...

I would check out the husbandry 101 stickies on this forum as well as the stickies about how to set up a glass enclosure.

[Dug]

The probe belongs to the thermometer with which I was measuring the temperature at that moment, but it is not there permanently.

[Craiga 01453]

Ok, well since it's temporary, let's move on...
Are your heat sources regulated by a thermostat?