Unusual Feeding Behavior

[Mitch21]

I've got a male normal that is about 6 months old and has ALWAYS eaten like a champ. I feed him f/t mice on a 5 day basis. 3 weeks ago he has started constricting the mouse when I give it to him, but he never actually eats it. Tonight was the third mouse that he has done this to. I grabbed the mouse with my tongs and he struck at my hand which is also very unlike him. He's usually my most docile and best eating snake. So any ideas? Why would a BP continually constrict but not eat the mouse?

[dr del]

Hi,

It's most often a security issue - are you hovering over him watching him to see if he eats?

Try leaving the room once he has it in his coils and give him a good 15 minutes before checking on him again.

Or you can also try re-offering him the mouse (heat the head up a bit again first) to see if he will strike and constrict it agaiun and hopefully eat it.

You can also try heating the head more initially but if he is striking that probably isn't it.


dr del

[Mitch21]

I have a hard time believing that my snake is having security issues while eating. That was actually my first thought too, but I've definitely ruled it out. Typically, he constricts the mouse as soon as he sees it. And once he constricts, I put his tub back into the rack. So nothing is essentially bothering him. And just to make sure that wasn't the issue, last night when I fed I left the room and turned off the lights once he constricted. Still nothing....

Any other ideas???

[starmom]

Tis the season for breeding and so maybe your guy is just feeling that

[SvicksTC]

maybe try scenting the food, but its wierd that he starts to take it then doesnt eat it...I have yet to see my ball have picky feedings yet.... *knocking on wood*

[Mitch21]

SVICKS,

LOL, I used to think I was lucky because my BPs all have a very strong feeding response. They don't waste anytime striking and eating... UNTIL now!! Lol...

My now problem snake has always been my best eater, so I figure I'll try another week or two with offering him his typical f/t mouse. If he continues to be a jerk, I'll toss a live mouse in there... That should do the trick.