Different way to get picky bp to eat?

[nitroball]

We have a male bp that hasn't ate in about six months. We are trying different prey, p/k, f/t, and live. Nothing so far. A friend asked if it would be ok to put a female in with him to see if he had "competition" if he would eat. I have no idea if that would work or not. At this point I'm gettin kinda desperate. He hasn't lost any weight and still sheds occasionally, but I still want him to eat. His cage has been covered up and left alone for a week or so now (yes, I still do check him every day, water, temp, etc...). Thanks for any and all suggestions.

[FatBoy]

Newspaper...completely fill his enclosure with krinckled up newspaper. Ball it up and make sure if he moves inside his enclosure he is touching paper. This will add a extra security and has worked for me several times. After adding the paper allow a week before feeding.

[nitroball]

OK I'll try that. Normally we put live mice in, the paper can be left in there then?

[FatBoy]

Yes...adds security and the thrill of the hunt. Has worked 100% for my picky eaters.

[nitroball]

Thanks very much, I'm definitely going to try it.

[cinderbird]

Yes...adds security and the thrill of the hunt. Has worked 100% for my picky eaters.

has this worked for adult animals? my biggest female has been spotty on feeding for months now. she's not losing any weight but she dosent eat. I may try this.

[WingedWolfPsion]

First step is a vet check with a fecal exam--some internal parasites can cause a loss of appetite, and snakes with them may be 'picky' or stop eating. Pinworm is a common culprit. Always rule that out when you have a snake that is behaving uncharacteristically. A male would be expected to be eating at this time of year--it's not the typical breeding season.

The crumpled newspaper trick has worked for me with starting very stubborn hatchlings.

Offer live, and a smaller than usual prey item (but not ridiculously small).

[FatBoy]

has this worked for adult animals? my biggest female has been spotty on feeding for months now. she's not losing any weight but she dosent eat. I may try this.

Yes...has worked on everything from hatchlings to 1500g adults. I got an 800g male 6 months ago, did not eat through his whole quarentine, put him in his tub in my FB rack, still wouldn't eat. Put paper in last week and he ate yesterday. Once they get on a good schedule you can stop the paper. I do not disagree with the vet visit but that wouldn't be my first step. Most non-feeders are caused from bad husbandry, stress, illness....in that order. I would try and fix things in that order also.

[h00blah]

Can anyone post a picture of how full of newspapers the bin / tub / cage should be? I have 2 babies that i want to take every precaution with

[FatBoy]

This is the males tub I was talking about in the above post.