New bp still won't eat! Not settling in ? Scared/shy ? Pics ...

[Fireproof]

While I certainly respect this choice, sometimes the need to feed live is in the best interests of the animal. I prefer to feed frozen/thawed myself. However, I also know that not all animals will eat frozen/thawed consistently (or at all). If the decision is to feed live or have an animal that doesn't eat (or force feed), I'm feeding live every time. If you cannot make this same decision, then maybe this animal isn't the right animal for you.

Now, having said all of that, I absolutely wish you the best of luck! Remember, the snakes know what they need best - everyone else will just give you their opinions (based on varying levels of experience).

Yep. Sometimes live is necessary - especially in hatchlings. I would suggest that getting him to eat is top priority, and it sounds like you have tried most other things, so this would be my next step. After he's taken a few live feedings under your care and is doing well in all respects, then you can transition to F/T.

Why are you so opposed to feeding live? Especially for just the short term?

[Smith123]

Well I tried feeding again tonite after only two days of being in the tub, and he hit it instantly! Result!
I have seen a little bit more of him since the move too, more confident to come out for a look around, I left the rat on the heater radiator next to his tub to warm and he was cruising around smelling it. I can't believe the difference , he is a different snake. Goes to show the value of the small tub, even though the viv I first put him in was less than 2ft.
He is still cruising around now? Hours later, is he still hungry ? Should you or can you feed two rats at one sitting??

Thanks to all for the positive advise, hints and tips!
Hopefully he will keep on eating regularly.

[Eric Alan]

He is still cruising around now? Hours later, is he still hungry ?

Their feeding response (especially when young) is pretty amazing. They're programmed to eat as much as they can when it's available - some stay in feeding mode for quite some time after a meal. Chances are he's not actually hungry (as you and I think of hunger). As long as his meal was of appropriate size for him, you're good.

Should you or can you feed two rats at one sitting??

You certainly can feed multiple animals in one sitting as long as the total amount eaten is an appropriate amount for his size. Anything more than that and he'll probably end up just pooping more or not eating consistently for you.

[Smith123]

I'm hoping he eats consistently now so I will stick to 5day feeding and see how he does. The rat pup was probably just as wide as his mid body?
thanks

[Redlude92]

I have a pinstripe that I got from a breeder who kept her in a tub. I put her in a 20gal tank and she did not eat for 7 months. To my surprise she only lost about 10g total in those months. I tried every week for 5 months, then I literally stopped. Everything. I stopped going in her tank (only to change water) I stopped trying to feed. I painted three sides with black paint, and covered the unpainted side (front) with a towel and left her alone for 2 months. Until one day I decided to try again and she finally ate for me. She's been eating every week since August, sometimes 2 in one feeding.
I guess what I'm trying to say is keep trying once a week for a while. Keep the Viv dark and leave it alone. If still nothing, then I would stop trying to feed for a month or two.
I've heard of a ball going over a year without eating.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Smith123]

He has now eaten again after another 5days and seems calm and content so hopefully he just had moving in stress and all is fine now 😀.....
I have to say after reading your post that sounds like animal cruelty to me! Yes I'm a reptile beginner but a massive animal lover. And as far as I'm concerned leaving your snake to go hungry for all those months before you decided to do something about the husbandry issues is not good enough nor is covering with a towel and not allowing the poor snake to see the light of day for two months!
Im glad i moved mine back into a small tub when I did as that way he didn't go without food too long. I will put him into a viv when he is a little bit more older and settled.