JCP not eating; Part II

[DutchHerp]

Hey all,

I started a thread a few months ago about my JCP that stopped eating. I concluded with the help of many of you that the reason is most likely that he's an adult male in breeding mode.

I started cooling him down at night only; same daytime temps as usual.

As of the 21st of February, I gave him regular daytime heat at night as well.

February 22 was feeding day for my balls, and I thought "What the hell, might as well offer him a small rat."

He seemed very interested in this rat, but wouldn't take it. After I washed the rat with soap and warm water, I rubbed a mouse all over the rat and he took the rat without hesitation. This of course was good news. I thawed another (larger) rat in case he was still hungry, but he didn't seem interested at all.

I offered him more mouse scented small rats Feb. 27 and March 6. He refused them both, although he did seem slightly interested.

What do you guys think is going on? Should I continue to offer him rats? When should I try feeding him a mouse and then placing a small rat inside his mouth (this method has worked before)?

Thanks again guys,

[DavidG]

Dutch, I would not worry about it. Stick with rats, there is no reason why he shouldn't take them when he's hungry. AC feeds adults rats and mice to mix up their diet. After a strike though, I would only do rats for a few weeks. If you get desperate try a live small rat (watching closely, I'm sure you know that). They seem to prefer live much better but frozen is always safer. Just my 0.02 cents.

[DutchHerp]

I was talking to a guy at a show who said they will starve themselves if they don't want to take rats.

This is the stupidest thing ever though, because these animals cannot afford to be so picky in the wild.

Two more questions though:

1) Should I scent the rats with mice? I mean, he doesn't seem interested in the rats whatsoever.
2) When should I try a live small rat?

Thanks David.

[DavidG]

I wouldn't think that they will starve themselves to death. If they get hungry they will eat. When was the last feeding? I don't think scenting would be necessary.

[DutchHerp]

The last time he actually took a (scented) rat was Feb. 22. I know this isn't long ago, but it was worrying/bothering me that he hasn't taken one again.

He might still be getting out of breeding mode...?

[DavidG]

Probably. I would keep the temps pretty high for a bit but gradually do it. leave you RHP on tonight, but make the cage around 5 to 8 degrees warmer than you would if it was completely off. Gradually gaining a few degrees each night until you're in the low-mid 70s

[DutchHerp]

Probably. I would keep the temps pretty high for a bit but gradually do it. leave you RHP on tonight, but make the cage around 5 to 8 degrees warmer than you would if it was completely off. Gradually gaining a few degrees each night until you're in the low-mid 70s

I've already gotten the cage back to 24/7 heat. The daytime temps are the exact same as night time temps.

[DavidG]

Let him rest a few more weeks (he'll be fine, trust me) and then try. It stresses them out to constantly offer food. On a bit of a personal note, I drop night time temps a few degrees just to help simulate nature and the sun setting.

[DutchHerp]

Let him rest a few more weeks (he'll be fine, trust me) and then try. It stresses them out to constantly offer food. On a bit of a personal note, I drop night time temps a few degrees just to help simulate nature and the sun setting.

Alright.

I'll try dropping the temps at night a little bit as well.

Also, when I thaw rodents in my room, he becomes extremely active and moves around the cage a lot, and when I open his door he comes out pretty fast...

[Brandon Osborne]

I will say that Jungles WILL starve themselves if they are only offered something they will not eat. I kept many jungles about 10-15 years ago and only 2 would eat rats. I tried every trick in the book and they just prefer mice. If you can get yours to eat scented rats, I would suggest you keep doing that. Otherwise, be prepared to feed only mice. Good luck.