Found the face rub/pushing issue...

[jmcrook]

Thanks guys! I'm going to keep her feeding increased for a few weeks and see if that helps. I probably will need a taller cage eventually but it's going to have to wait a while. I just got the two T8s set up in June and dropped about a grand between cages, RHPs, lights, Herpstat, shelving unit, etc.
When I do upgrade again I'll probably go for the T13. Most cost efficient of the larger 4' AP cages and has a slightly deeper footprint and 6" more height than my T8s.
Keeping my fingers crossed that it's just her looking for food at the moment. She chilled right out after last nights rat. Hope she stays calm with larger meals every 5-7 days. She's a seemingly bottomless pit


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[Yodawagon]

I had a velvet retic push when I first got her. I kept her in a food coma for 3 weeks, feeding her every 4 days. Her feeding response is nothing like my super dwarf. She eventually stopped.

[jmcrook]

I had a velvet retic push when I first got her. I kept her in a food coma for 3 weeks, feeding her every 4 days. Her feeding response is nothing like my super dwarf. She eventually stopped.

Thanks yodawagon! I'm pretty certain it was a combination of smaller prey and having the gap between the door and cage lip that did it. Bumping her up to medium rats every 5-7 days and watching her activity. How's your SD doing by the way? If she's still growing like mine/her sister she must be closing in on 900grams and over 5' right?


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[AbsoluteApril]

we've used a towel between the glass at the bottom to keep the glass tight so they can't try to squeeze in there because oh boy, they love to do that.

[Sauzo]

we've used a towel between the glass at the bottom to keep the glass tight so they can't try to squeeze in there because oh boy, they love to do that.

That's an awesome idea. I'm going to have to remember that one.

[jmcrook]

we've used a towel between the glass at the bottom to keep the glass tight so they can't try to squeeze in there because oh boy, they love to do that.

Not a bad idea. Any correlation that you've found between increased feeding schedules and reducing their face smashing with your Retics?


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[AbsoluteApril]

Not a bad idea. Any correlation that you've found between increased feeding schedules and reducing their face smashing with your Retics?

Sorry for the late reply. And nope, have not seen any reduction in it. Have had it where the retic just ate and that same day is still pushing like a madman. Sometimes they are just pushers... :/

[jmcrook]

I think a larger meal calmed my gal down considerably. And I filled the gap between the door and the bottom lip of the cage. No signs of pushing since that I can tell. We'll see if her rubbing abrasions heal up soon. Aside from those she's looking just fine


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[Sauzo]

Food coma!!! F-O-O-D C-O-M-A !!!

[jmcrook]

I think that last rat put her into a shed cycle. Not quite cloudy yet but getting a faint pink belly and slightly less clear in the eyes. Of course she does this the day before feeding day. She's always eaten in the past during shed but has needed prey offered 3 times every time it's happened. Strikes, coils, then gets distracted and looses interest but if I keep re-offering she gets it down on the third offer. Might just wait til she sheds to feed but she finally stopped pushing and I don't want her to start up again as her rubbed spots on her chin are healing up. Hmmm...


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