Feeding F/T Question

[LaurMorr]

I have two young rainbow boas that i'm having an incredibly difficult time getting to eat f/t. The breeder I bought them from had been feeding them f/t months before I bought them but I just can't get them to eat. I've had the one strike at it and wrap himself around it a few times but as soon as he uncoils to eat he'll just forget about it or something. Suggestions?

Also, I have two balls that are eating f/t and they're SOO easy. They eat it the second I throw it in there. I don't have to wake it around them at all.

[carlisleishere]

Have you tried leaving it in overnight? When I first got my rainbow it was about a month before he would eat when I was watching.

[LaurMorr]

I have tried leaving it over night but it's still there in the morning and smells MUCH worse.

[carlisleishere]

Were they eating mice or rats at the breeder?

[Crazy4Herps]

First of all, how old are they? And how long have you had them?

Aside from double checking husbandry (are temps and humidity within appropriate ranges? Do their enclosures provide plenty of hiding spaces and a secure environment?), my best advice is to keep trying. Also, if you have been handling them, cut that out entirely and try not to bother them at all until they will eat for you (the stress of handling, especially with young snakes, can cause them to go off food).

And if you simply cannot get them to eat--contact the breeder! Ask a bit more about how the breeder was feeding them; exactly what kind / size of rodent they were eating, how the breeder thawed the food, how the breeder presented the food, etc. If you can try to replicate the breeder's feeding strategy exactly you'll have a better chance of getting them to eat.


Good luck! I know picky eaters can be really frustrating...