Feeding video Tell me what im doing wrong

[Vypyrz]

I would also use something dark to cover the sides of your enclosure, paper won't really cut it, either paint it with some acrylic paint (the type you use for canvas) or cover it with black styrofoam (can someone chime on this since i don't know where to get it?)...

It's called foam board. You can get it at Wal-Mart in the school/ office supplies section next to the poster board...

This may start a rucus,

I haven't heard that word since The Breakfast Club...

"What was that ruckus?"
"What ruckus?"
"I heard a ruckus?"
"Can you describe the ruckus?"

[adamjeffery]

I like what you have done with the tank. Looks alot more accomodating to her. I'm going to give you some tips from a different persepctive. This may start a rucus, but I believe you should be subjected to different opinions on snake husbandry and not just the "all might powerfull" people on this forum.

So, my suggestions. Take them or leave them If you wish, i'm only pointing out in my 14 years of owning snakes, these methods have worked.

1) The water dish is really not that high. I wouldn't worry about that.

2) The hides do not need to be identical, this is even up for debate on these forums. I have never had two simular hides, my snakes do fine, choose what you like. I do however agree that your move to that pot is a better idea.

3) I suggest moving her to a small container when you feed her. BP's love security when they are eating, a small dark container fits the mold. I use a petsmart box that they put small animals in. But anything that is dark and has some sort of cover would work. I also suggest dipping your feeders into either tuna juice, or making the feeder bleed a bit. This seems to stimulate them to eat. Put your snake in the box, drop in the feeder, close the box and leave for about 30 minutes. This has gotten my most reluctant of snakes to eat.

4) If I were you, I would test out these methods in 48 hours. Let your snake settle into the new environment and try again.


And a few questions,

1) Has your snake shed yet?
2) How old?

Snakes tend to go on hunger strikes. After another month, then I would start to worry. Right now, your snake seems a little stressed. But nothing it won't get over.

i agree with everything in this statement except the feeding out of its own container. if the snake really is stressed moving out of a "comfort" zone will stress it more. in the 10 years or so of BREEDING snakes and the 15 years of keeping snakes i had more problems when i was trying to feed out of the enclosure like all the caresheets said.
i would try offering it a small weanling mouse. that is what me and my friend always start balls out on (to be clear i dont breed balls yet, i only broker them and own them). i have only had 2 balls that absolutely refused to eat on their own and ended up assist feeding them a couple of times before they started eating on their own.
the only questions i have for you is this.
1. is the snake a wild caught or captive bred?
2. has it ever eaten for you or was it sold to you as eating?

if its a wild caught you may need to get some african soft furred rats they help getting wc started.
if it was eating and is not now then something is stressing it out.
as far as the video goes, dont dangle prey right in front of your balls they really are an easily intimidated snake. just let it go (rat pups wont hurt your ball,weanling mice COULD so keep an eye but is doubtful).
hope this helps.
adam jeffery

[Kaorte]

Your setup looks a lot better now.

If your humidity is normally at 70%, then there is no need to treat the screen lid, it will just raise your humidity more.

Your last option shouldn't be force feeding. You should never have to force feed a bp who is in a proper environment. There are plenty of things you can try before resorting to force feeding.

Leave her alone for a week to see how she does with the new setup. If you see her start using her hides during the day and doing some "looking for food" cruising (not to be confused with "trying to get out" cruising) then try putting in a small rat pinky and see if she goes for it.

You need to learn how to read your snake so that you can judge whether or not it is hungry, stressed, or happy.

[tsshields]

1. is the snake a wild caught or captive bred?
2. has it ever eaten for you or was it sold to you as eating?
adam jeffery

The snake is not wild caught actually she was just born about a month ago i bought her at a expo and the guy said she shed as well as ate one time and he gave me the info card as well he told me to email him if any problems which i have and he hasent gotten back to me im going to try to throw another pinky rat in there tomm... and do what all you guys have said so wish me luck

[tsshields]

Hey everyone i just wanted you guys all to know that my baby girl finally ate her first pinky rat. Its because of you guys that she did so well. I hope she keeps up the good work with eating. But again i want to THANK THANK THANK all of you from the help.