handle life-long problem feeder?

[stevepoppers]

I bought a problem feeder. He's six, and only ever eats live mice or asf's. It says so on his feeding card that he's only eaten once this year. He's right around 900g right now and doesn't look skinny at all. My question is am I ever going to be allowed to hold this snake if he's never eaten consistently in his life and probably won't?

[garweft]

Hold him whenever you want to. As a matter of fact, hold him the next time you offer food. The result might surprise you.

[garweft]

Hold him whenever you want to. As a matter of fact, hold him the next time you offer food. The result might surprise you.

If you do try it use F/T.....

[stevepoppers]

Se...Seriously? 0_o

[Kaorte]

I would not suggest holding the snake while trying to feed it.

There is still a chance that he might become a great feeder for you. I wouldn't give up hope! Chances are he is off feed because he is looking for a lady friend, not because he is stressed.

[stevepoppers]

Well, it does look like he is off feed, but it still looks like I'll be lucky to feed him 3 times a month, IF I'm using LIVE ASF.

[Kaorte]

Well, it does look like he is off feed, but it still looks like I'll be lucky to feed him 3 times a month, IF I'm using LIVE ASF.

3 times a month isn't bad for a snake that size! As long as he is eating consistently then handle away!

[stevepoppers]

That's the thing, he just doesn't eat consistently. Maybe one or two months out of the year. Since he's reached breeding weight, he eats once or twice from December to June, so maybe he'll start up this month. Maybe I can figure out a reduced schedule that he'll like. IF I get him switched to rats! I know, I know! I paid for this.

The feeding card doesn't mention husbandry, so maybe there was something wrong there. I can work on this, but it just sucks that I shouldn't handle him in the meantime.

[Kaorte]

just check his weight once or twice a month. If he is maintaining or gaining I think he is fine. Some males will just go off feed like clockwork.

[stevepoppers]

I just put his feeding into a spreadsheet and he's definitely fasted for the first half of the year since his third year. Still, there's a definite inconsistency in his eating habits. Two one month, six the next (small), then three, then five, then none! If that's the best I can hope for, I doubt it can be called consistent.

Assuming both the previous owner and I did/do everything correctly, should I ever handle this snake as a pet? I've got a yes and a no.