picky eater...advice?

[OsirisRa32]

Anyone mind providing me with some ASF info..

Kinda clueless...other than they are a different species of rat?

I have a picky eater whos only eaten once since I ve had him about 2 months now...he ate a live rat for me about 3.5 weeks after I got him.
the breeder was feeding him live and pre killed
husbandry is spot on.....60% humidity, cool spot 78-80...ambient 78-82, hot spot 90...hes in a T8, clean water every 3 days, mist the enclosure as needed,

I was thinking of trying pre killed next or maybe looking into ASFs.....
ive been monitoring his weight...he was 691g after previous meal and before pooping...he is 675g now..after a good poop about 1.5 weeks ago

Any advice would be great!

Thanks

[nick654377]

I wouldnt be too worried about it. He is holding weight. Dont handle him for a week and try again.

[don15681]

I would hold off on the asf for now. he's at breeding size and it's breeding season right now. watch his weight. as long as his weight to length is good, give him a little time. you might want to try a hide before anything else. keep offering him food like once a week or so. he will eat when he's ready not when you're ready, I know it sucks been there many times. good luck don

[OsirisRa32]

Sorry left that info out....he has 2 hides...both medium black ones from Rep Basics (one cool side...one hot spot)

Been offering live once a week....


Weight to length? havent heard that one before...

[Seanjackmc]

Disclaimer: only owned a ball for just under 2 weeks so I'm far from an expert.
My sons snake has not eaten while we were in the room. He ate live last week but I had to turn off all lights and leave the room for about half an hour. I know you aren't supposed to leave your snake alone with live prey (so they say) but this was recommended to me by someone I trust and respect very much so I did and it worked. Yesterday upped it to a small rat f/t. Same thing tried the dangle and zombie walk nothing. Left it in his cage around 7 took my son to bed about 9 and snake had the rat halfway down in his hide. So maybe try leaving your snake alone with his pre killed meal for a while in the dark with no other activity.
hope this helps

[Annarose15]

He isn't being picky, he just isn't hungry. Back off to offering every two weeks while it's still winter and he'll pick back up eventually. Just keep monitoring his weight like you are doing.

BTW - kudos for watching his weight already. It's frustrating the number of people that post wanting to know if they should worry about a noneater, but "haven't had time/money/whatever" in the two months (or more) of ownership to go buy a $20 scale! (rant over)

[OsirisRa32]

He isn't being picky, he just isn't hungry. Back off to offering every two weeks while it's still winter and he'll pick back up eventually. Just keep monitoring his weight like you are doing.

BTW - kudos for watching his weight already. It's frustrating the number of people that post wanting to know if they should worry about a noneater, but "haven't had time/money/whatever" in the two months (or more) of ownership to go buy a $20 scale! (rant over)

haha thanks...I'm a biologist by education and training....I have data charts for all my reptiles...eating habits, weights (once a week), sheds, behavior I deem notable...