First time feeding.... failure

[mastertofue]

I tried feeding my 8 month old Ball "Akooma" for the first time tonight. Unfortunately it ended in dissapointment. The mouse actually touched noses with her, but little response.

There are a couple of things I would like to note. 1) When I got home with the mouse, I realized that it stunk, pretty badly too, kind of like shrimp. Do you think that could be a deterrent?
2) How long should I wait before trying again? I don't know how long that mouse can hang out in my spare tank. It's got some shredded paper and cat food lol, but no water spout.

Much appreciated.

[lillyorchid]

How long have you had this snake?

Are you sure it had been eating mice before and not small rats?
Do you know when was the last time it had eaten?
Mice have an oder to them and male mice reek!

Also what are your temps in the tank?

[Nate]

it's just one of those things that you have to learn how to troubleshoot.

Some snakes are just troubled eaters.

wait a week before trying again. don't handle it either, except if you must clean the cage. it could be just stressed out

[mastertofue]

Well, I ended up putting that mouse in the spare tank with a hide tube and shredded paper for the tie being. But before I gave it up for a while, I decided to try for one more attempt.

I placed "Talithakoomei" in the tank with mouse, who came out of it's tube in curiosity. The mouse gave Akooma a kiss on the lips, but this time.... It was a kiss of death.

I felt such a good feeling of success and relief when she took her prey. So everything feels ok.

To answer your questions, I've had her for about a week now. the last time she fed was the Day before thanksgiving. SO it's been about 12 days. She is 8 months old. I was thinking of feeding her every 10 days.

Thanks.

[Nate]

glad to hear the feed was a success. just curious if there's any particular reason why you choose every 10 days?

every 5-7 is recommended. I've got all mine feeding every monday evening. it's a great routine

[mastertofue]

Well, I picked 10 because I couldn't figure out if it was two weeks or one. But now since I have been enlightened by my vet and some of the helpful people here like you, she'll be eating once a week as well

And guess what? She'll be eating on mondays too. lol.

[Nate]

Well, I picked 10 because I couldn't figure out if it was two weeks or one. But now since I have been enlightened by my vet and some of the helpful people here like you, she'll be eating once a week as well

And guess what? She'll be eating on mondays too. lol.

awesome!