Feeding Problems...

[sopa]

Hey, everyone!

I've had my (October 2013 clutch) BP for over a year now, and had her in a glass 20gal tank from March 2014 to April 2015. Her temps were perfect then also, and I had the majority of the screen top covered with foil (I found a DIY here on this forum) and heavily misted once she turned blue and had no problem with sheds. She also NEVER refused to eat when she was in the tank. I switched her over to a 60qt tub now that she is over 1000g, (has two hides) and her temps are perfect. However, as the title states, ever since I've switched her over, she's been less willing to eat. I DON'T UNDERSTAND!!! I can't tell if the rats I got (I get them from a local breeder) are just bad, or if she just doesn't want to eat! She seems interested enough but doesn't try to strike it. I've wasted a total of 6 rats as of April and she's only ate one out of 7.

Please help! Any advice or opinion is so so so VERY appreciated.

I'm attaching a picture of her enclosure in case it helps. pls halp T_T



**side note I'm using flexwatt heat tape connected to a tstat (the one for plants you get from amazon, planning on a 'better' tstat once I get a rack hopefully later this year as I'm expecting another snabie). Ambient temps are 76-80, hot spot 88-92, humidity at a constant 68%. I also use a temperature gun to monitor the temps. I am a perfectionist... However since the tub is a little raised I have the tstat set to 99 so that she can feel the heat and I check at least twice a day to make sure the tub doesn't get hot enough for a possible burn.**

THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE <3 <3

[bcr229]

First double-check the temperature on the hot side. Are you measuring the temperature on the tub and not the paper over the heat pad? If it's not pushed hard/flat against the tub, even a tiny air gap between the paper and the tub can cause a huge difference. So, your tub may be too warm.

Second, is your tub in a rack now, or is it just sitting out in the open? Even with the hides, you may need to cover the sides and/or top with a light towel to make her feel more secure.

Third, your girl may have just hit the "1000 gram wall".

[sopa]

Thank you! I do double check. I measure both the tub and the paper towel on top. The paper towels are usually ~4 degrees cooler. And yes, she is out in the open. I think you are right in the sense that she doesn't feel secure enough. I'll start putting a towel on top. I think with the tank she felt more secure because the foil on top made it dark for her. Thank you so much!! I'll try feeding her later this week. Hopefully that works.

[sopa]

Tried feeding last night.. She won't take it. T_T

[Aercadia]

Third, your girl may have just hit the "1000 gram wall".

More information, please!

[Eric Alan]

More information, please!

It's a pretty common term in this hobby. In people, teenagers tend to grow like weeds. In the BP world, "teenagers" (BPs around the 1000 gram mark) tend to slow down their feeding or stop entirely for a length of time. It tends to happen more often that not, although I had a girl that went from hatchling to 2000+ grams and blew right through the "wall" without a second thought.

[JoshSloane]

It's a pretty common term in this hobby. In people, teenagers tend to grow like weeds. In the BP world, "teenagers" (BPs around the 1000 gram mark) tend to slow down their feeding or stop entirely for a length of time. It tends to happen more often that not, although I had a girl that went from hatchling to 2000+ grams and blew right through the "wall" without a second thought.

Exactly. This issue right here is responsible for probably 1/3 of posted questions.

[Trogdorpheus]

Just increase the time between your offerings to 2 or 3 weeks instead of every week. It'll help by both helping you not be frustrated, and won't encourage refusal as a regular behavior. Then when you get a few successful feeds in, you can attempt returning to a regular feed schedule.

My male did that around 800 grams. Refused for 11 months. Ended up offering one a month until he finally started taking like a boss again.

[Albert Clark]

Firstly, we all go through this so you are not alone! Don't sweat it and just keep triple checking your numbers. Make sure the animal is not ill and keep fresh water available and she will eat when she is ready. Maybe try increasing your time between feedings. Remember also, you recently changed her environment, one of the bigger reasons to start a food strike!

[Aercadia]

Thank you! Is there a biological reason for this, or is it just a known phenomenon with no discernible cause?