Pups in tubs overnight

[moonlightgdess]

Two of my new editions are terrified of their food, striking and missing every time. They're on rat pups with eyes not open yet. Would it be a good idea to leave the pups in overnight, or would it be too stressful for the snakes and cruel to make the pups go without food (assuming they aren't eaten)?

[sho220]

Have they eaten at all for you? What were they eating before you got them? How old are they? What are they in? Tubs, or tanks? How long have you had them?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would not leave anything alive in a tub overnight

[moonlightgdess]

Have they eaten at all for you? What were they eating before you got them? How old are they? What are they in? Tubs, or tanks? How long have you had them?

They are new to me as of the beginning of this week. They were eating the same thing just fine at the breeders. They're in a 32 qt AP rack. They're... Young, late 2011 I believe. The rats are 10-15% of their weight, two are about 220 g and one is 130 g. The pups are all 20-25 each.

[sho220]

They are new to me as of the beginning of this week. They were eating the same thing just fine at the breeders. They're in a 32 qt AP rack. They're... Young, late 2011 I believe. The rats are 10-15% of their weight, two are about 220 g and one is 130 g. The pups are all 20-25 each.

I would give them a few more days to chill and try again. What time of day/night have you been trying? I've had some in the past that acted sketchy like that where they would strike but miss. They would eventually hit their mark though, and it was all good from there...Next time you do try, I would definitely wait until night time...

I would say try some hopper mice as that can work wonders, but I wouldn't give up on rats yet...

[moonlightgdess]

This was our first attempt, done late at night with lights off. The pastel ate fine after a miss or two, but the other two are certainly wound up to eat, just afraid to do it. I've just never left live in a tub and wasn't sure if these were ok since they can't see yet. I'll give them a rest and try again Sunday.

[sho220]

I'll give them a rest and try again Sunday.

Good luck...I bet they'll eat for you by then...

[Andybill]

yeah same thing happened to me last week. Received a couple new snakes and tried to feed them 5 days later on my feeding schedule which is friday evenings and they did not eat. Its nothing to freak out too much about until they have not eaten for a few weeks then its time to start taking a more hands on approach. If your snakes dont feed try again next week only offer food on your schedule as over offering can stress them out too. Also if you have been handling them a lot or if theyre in a fairly busy area this can also cause them to adjust more slowly to their new environment. Good luck and dont worry too much they will come around!

[snakesRkewl]

I would not leave anything alive in a tub overnight

That's silly,
Rats that can't see yet can't hurt a snake and it's a very good way to get some to eat when they have been off feed or stubborn feeders.

[sho220]

That's silly,
Rats that can't see yet can't hurt a snake and it's a very good way to get some to eat when they have been off feed or stubborn feeders.

I think he meant because it may stress the snake out unnecessarily just having it in there...not because it will chew on the snake...I hope...