Feeding Refusal Question

[RobbinRN]

Alice had a nice shed and poop last night and today was feeding day. It was actually a couple of days late because he was at the point in his shed cycle that I decided to wait until afterward. He has never refused a meal (he gets two jumbo mice totaling about 80 grams every 6-7 days) and I naturally assumed he would be starving.

He took the first mouse with no problem, but passed on the second one. He sniffed it several times and then ignored it. He drank some water and retreated to his warm hide. He did position himself with his head sticking out, so I laid the mouse in the entrance. He's been sitting there for two hours now just looking in the direction of the mouse.

It was a F/T. How long should I leave it there? What should I do with it? I've heard too many arguments against refreezing. Will it be okay in the refrigerator for a day or so while he digests the first mouse or do y'all think it will stink up the place?

Any ideas? The light is off and Alice is totally "hidden" by all the plants in his tank, so he is nice and secure. Should I get the mouse out every so often and hit it with the hair dryer again to warm it up? This is his first refusal. I'm not worried that he's hungry because he did take one of them. Silly me...hate to see a mouse die for no reason

For those who will ask...glass tank decorated like a jungle, two identical hides, upper 90s warm side, mid 80s cool side, 60% humidity (coming down after removing damp moss bowl following shed), no stuck shed, nice big poop, nothing out of ordinary.

All tips, hints, and suggestions welcome and appreciated!

Thank you ~

Robbin

[RobbinRN]

Well...nevermind

I checked him before my post and it was just as I described. I checked him immediately after my post (10-15 minutes max) and mouse was gone and Alice was trying to cram his fat self back into his warm hide!

Strange, but

Robbin

[snakecharmer3638]

I would think it would be okay to leave it over night. If she doesn't eat it just throw it out. I know it seems like a waste but had she ate it it would be gone anyways.

[snakecharmer3638]

Then disregard my post. And sorry I refered to him as her.

[RobbinRN]

That's quite alright SnakeCharmer...everyone calls him a her! After I explain how he came about his name, it makes sense to those old enough to know who Alice Cooper is. Of course, I still get blank stares from the young 'uns

Robbin

[dacalio]

I would highly suggest getting a few more snakes so you won't have this problem again

Just out of curiosity, are you a nurse?

David

[RobbinRN]

I LOVE that suggestion! Believe me...I'm working on my husband about that

Yep...ICU RN! What gave it away

Robbin