is this normal? HELP

[spalding11]

hey everyone, i just want you to know how much i appreciate your advice and opinions. THIS FORUM ROCKS!

my girl FINALLY ate last night!!!!
she ate like a CHAMP! not just one adult mouse, BUT TWO!!!!!!!!!!
she ate #1 in only a minute, and #2 in under 30 seconds! AND WAS LOOKING FOR MORE~!!!!

and she didn't just wait for them to come to her, she actually moved and hunted them, and squeezed them so hard their eyes popped out.

this made my week!


THANK YOU AGAIN, YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

[kc261]

That's great that she ate! Woohoo!

[kc261]

if you got a scale for weighting I keep track of her weight, and not panick until you see about 20% lost of weight .. ( if it about 60 grams don't worry until get below 40 grams.)

Actually, if a 60 gram snake gets down below 40 grams, it has lost more than 33% of its weight, not just 20%. I'd definitely start to worry well before that. Probably more like when it has lost 15% of its weight. Also, this would vary somewhat depending on the size & age of the snake and other circumstances. For example, a rescue that is already thin should not lose any weight at all if possible.

Take the "clutter" out too.

Actually "clutter" is a very good thing, depending on what is being used to make the clutter. BPs are shy snakes by nature. The reason for a snake not eating often has something to do with it not feeling secure. Adding "clutter" such as crumpled up newspaper or fake foliage often helps these snakes feel more secure because they can still be somewhat hidden even when not in their hides.

[twisted-wing]

I hope you're not tired of the same ole advice by now. I think a few people said it already, but a 20 gal tank is too large for a baby bp. I was going to get that size for my baby too, but I read he/she can actually be stressed out if the enclosure is too large.

Two identical hides like you said are awwesome. They should be barely big enough for your snake to coil up in.

I'm not sure how much it helps, but I add a nutrient suppliment to the water bowl; give her some nutrients since she's being fiesty about eating.

Is it possible the food you're giving her is too small? Pinkie to fuzzy rats should do it; something as thick as the largest part of her body.

Anywho, good luck!

(opps didn't see that latest post. glad she ate!)