6 week fast, but strikes at prey

[motorhead1980]

So my 1000 gram female is on a 6 week hunger strike, has not eaten since November 2nd. However the last few feeding since she shed which was the first part of December,(eye caps were shed too) she strikes at the rats but does not follow through. Then goes into her hide after I remove the live rat. But comes back out minutes later and acts very normal. I'm not worried about the fasting, but what does the striking mean? She has been on live all her life with the breeder I bought her from. I bought her on October 12th and she ate once in October and once on November 2nd both were live rats

- Is she not hungry
- I have tried a few different sizes on small and weened rats, and colors
- Should I try a mouse, or frozen thawed, or just keep trying the same thing until she gives in eventually.

Not really worried, just a little confused.

[Lizardlicks]

Have you read The Psychology of Problem Feeders by Justin Kobylka? It might have some useful advise! Other than that, I am to understand that a) females often stall out at 1000g then pick back up after a time and b) taking a feeding break in certain times a year is pretty common for bps.

[albinos_rule]

My male is on a fast now, and has been for two months, don't worry your snake will pick back up soon

[albinos_rule]

Forgot to mention that the strikes are just defensive, just to let you know the snake is annoyed by the prey, and has no intention of eating it....

[motorhead1980]

Yeah not too worried yet. The strikes did look defensive, as soon as the rat got in her face to smell her she lashed out pretty good a few times, then just proceeded to watch it. I'll continue to offer once a week until she decides she is hungry.

The rat is being well cared for. What do you guys do as the rats grow and get too big for the snake?the rat I have eats and drinks like a horse.

Cant wait until my new red tail boa gets to the point were he is eating the same size!