Getting New BP to eat

[danielfritino]

So I got my 5 month old ball from a small pet shop two weeks ago on Sunday (08/03). Had the terrarium humidity and heat all ready to go when it got home 75F low at night 90F high during day cycle average ambient of 80-82F, average humidty of 60-65%. Red light and UVB lights for 12 hr day cycle, UTH on thermostat 24/7. Two hides foliage and vines; covered left right and back sides of tank for the snakes piece of mind. Snake has been handled several times, very calm seems to enjoy it. Started cruising around tank at night, drinking water and exploring.

Haven't sexed it yet. Pet shop owner said that they (about 5 from that batch, mother and father were at shop too) had eaten regularly once a week and fed them live hopper mice. I attempted first F/T small mice feeding that following Wednesday 08/06- probably a little too soon but seemed to have settled in. Heated, zombie danced, and then left there on paper towel over night, did not eat. Same thing yesterday, left over night as well right in front of favorite hide, did not eat.

My question is- should I just hold out, be patient and try again next Weds with F/T? Should I try a live hopper and see if that works next week then try the transition again? Just looking for some feedback. I would much rather used F/T due to ease and availability. I know patience is key but I don't want it to go too long without a meal.

[BPLuvr]

It sounds like you have a day night cycle for temperature or lighting? I pretty much keep my room 77-80 degrees year round with no night/day drops. What temperature is it above the uth? Also hopper mouse should be extremely small for a BP thats 5 months old.

[danielfritino]

UTH thermostat stays at 98degrees which leaves the substrate surface around 88-90. UVB lights are only two and are just for a day/night cycle.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

First snakes don't enjoy being handled they tolerate it and when receiving a new snake it is highly recommended that the snake is not being held until it eats for you.

Now if the snake is 5 months he can take down an adult mouse without a problem, the question is how big is he (weight?) and also what was he fed? When feeding do you feed in the enclosure?

If you are trying to feed F/T to a snake that was offered live it will be an issue and for now feeding what was offered at least as far as prey type is what you need to concentrate on so live will likely bee the best option. Once the animal eats for you on a regular basis you can switch to f/t

Another thing if this is a pet and you want to keep the temp as stable as possible (NO drop), lowering the temps at night can create issues, and unless you have an animal that you intend to breed, I do not recommend dropping temps it.

Also UV are totally unnecessary BP are nocturnal.

So no handling, wait a week and offer live in the enclosure.....that's what I would do.

[danielfritino]

Yes I was feeding in enclosure, I have attached a pic of me holding it.


Okay so - no handling the rest of the week, I'll get a ceramic heater instead of red light that will keep ambient average so there is no drop at night, and i'll try feeding it a live mouse next wednesday in enclosure. not sure on how many grams it is... i will weigh and get back this afternoon.

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Yes I was feeding in enclosure, I have attached a pic of me holding it.


Okay so - no handling the rest of the week, I'll get a ceramic heater instead of red light that will keep ambient average so there is no drop at night, and i'll try feeding it a live mouse next wednesday in enclosure. not sure on how many grams it is... i will weigh and get back this afternoon.

Based on your picture he can take an adult mouse

[jasonmcgilvrey83]

I agree with deb. And also feed him what Hes use to till he eats more for you. Then u can try to trick him into f/t.

[alan12013]

He's a nice bright little fellow. You'll have plenty of time for him to calm down and eat. If it becomes an issue that lasts for a very long time there are several tricks that you can attempt that I have found to be extremely successful not just for myself but others as well.

[danielfritino]

So update- I brought a live mouse home, held him in a little feeder enclosure next to cage for a few hours, then dropped him in snakes terrarium right at beginning of evening. Little guy hit it immediately... guess i'll feed him a few more live before i decide to go F/T.