My male pastel

[gator8811]

I got a male pastel about 5 weeks ago. He's about 1172 grams and hasn't ate since i got him. He supposely ate a week before i got him. Is this just him wanting a feamle still? He supposedly locked up with one of there females about 2 weeks before I got him. Hasn't shed his set up is 55 gall tank a hide big water bowl he can fit in hot side about 90ish warm side around 80 or so aspen bedding about 3 inches deep. I'v tried medium and small rats and even mice. He acts like he wants to eat than when he gets close just moves away. Is this anything to be concerned about? Also i am going to look at buying a 4 foot normal female tomorrow. Should i put her in the tank with him to see what happens, or is this a bad idea?

[decensored]

males will often go off feed durring breeding. pairing him might only prolong the fast, I can't see it helping. Give him time.

[FireStorm]

It's hard to say for sure why he isn't eating. It could be a breeding season thing, it could be the fact that he just moved to a new home, it could be that he's stressed about the tank (if he's used to a rack/tub)....

As for the new addition, DO NOT put them together without quarantine. 3 mos as a minimum, but we use 6 mos, and some people do a year.

[gator8811]

Okay thanks. I appreciate the replies

[Annarose15]

Did I read correctly that he only has one hide? Work on making his tank feel more secure to him and wait him out. Do NOT pair a brand new female with him without quarantine (or without being ready for eggs!).

[PitOnTheProwl]

1st QT is most important
2nd one hid or no hide in a tub is not a problem at all BUT in a 55g you will need several as well as fighting to keep temps and humidity up
3rd at that weight I really wouldn't worry too much, keep an eye on his weight more than when he ate last

My male spider eats maybe 3 to 4 times a year.

[gator8811]

Appreciate it everyone. I've just never had a snake for this long not eating. My red tail (before I got rid of him because my g/f is afraid of him cause were having a baby) would eat a large rat every week or so when it was the size of my pastel. Which I know is a difference cause at that size a red tail is still small. He went to a good home thoughy partner at the fire station has him now.

[FireStorm]

5 weeks isn't really too bad...we have had a few males fast for 6 months. But it wouldn't hurt to clutter up his tank. He may just be feeling vulnerable, especially if he is used to a rack.

[gator8811]

Ya he was in a rack. Also should i feed him in his tank or not? I usually feed my snakes in other containers. I been trying in a seperate container.