New Hog Island Not Eating, New to Snakes

[OverweightSalamander]

Hey guys, for the past few months I've been looking to get a snake. Finally decided on getting a young Hog Island Boa (born in June) at a reptile expo here in NY. Leading up to the purchase I spent a good 15 hours doing my research online in regard to snake care and husbandry and in particular, husbandry for the Hog Island.

So far it has been two weeks and he hasnt eaten for me yet. As far as I can tell, the temp in his tub is perfect (cold side around 75, hot side around 91) and the humidity is great too (betwen 45-60%). Hes in a 16qt steralite tub with aspen bedding and has two hides that he uses and a water dish as well.

4 days after I brought him home I tried feeding him. I dangled the f/t outside of his hide and he struck it and coiled. I checked on the progress about an hour later and he dropped the mouse and didnt touch it again. I just tried again, about an hour ago and he seems very interested but wont actually take the mouse. He noses it and follows it around as I dangle it with tongs.

Any idea whats going on or any advice as to what I may be doing incorrectly? Thanks guys, I appreciate any responses.

[BPGator]

Few questions:
1. Is the hot temp taken under the aspen or on top?
2. How are you thawing/heating the mouse?
3. How long did you wait between the first and second feeding attempt?
4. How was the breeder feeding your snake (f/t or live? Mice or rats?)

And 2 weeks isn't that long. I know you really want him to eat but he can go a while without food. Even if you're doing everything right, sometimes it takes them a while to get settled.


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[OverweightSalamander]

Thanks for the quick response!

1. The hot temp was taken on top of the aspen, it was warmer beneath that so I turned the temp down. I also heat gunned my snake and he was at 87.5F
2. To thaw the mice I'm getting my sink water hot, filling a cup with it, then leaving the mouse submerged in a bag. I repeat this process a few times until the mouse feels warm to the touch.
3. I waited a week between his last feeding and when I attempted to feed him yesterday
4. The breeder was feeding him fuzzies, but I'm not sure if it was f/t or live. Ill try to get in contact with him to find out.

I weighed him a week and a half ago and he was 111g. Should I be keeping a close eye on his weight? Thank you again!!

[BPGator]

Good thing turning the temp down. It should be the hottest area your snake can sit on that should be around 90F. Many people have a thermometer under the substrate on the hot side to make sure the temp isn't too high.

I was asking about your thawing method because I'm wondering if you cooked the mouse and that's why he spit it out. I let my frozen rodents sit out until they're bellies are soft and then heat them up with a blow dryer. If you thaw in water, I don't feel comfortable with water over 110 - 120F.

Waiting a week is good between feeding attempts. Also limit handling to husbandry only until he's eating for you.

I'd keep trying f/t - seems like he'll take it eventually. Leave it overnight if he doesn't. If he hasn't eaten in a few more weeks I'd try prekilled or live (but never leave a live mouse alone with your snake; make sure you supervise at all times).



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[ladywhipple02]

Something I found too: some snakes are really shy about eating out in the open and/or with the lights on. Putting a cover/blanket over the cage has worked for me in the past. Or he may just be off feed since it's "that" time of year.

[OverweightSalamander]

I'll give the blowdrying method a shot in another week, I was just worried that because hes so young (born in June) that he couldnt go terribly long without eating. I'm not too worried just yet tho.

I do handle him quite often, maybe once every couple days for a half hour. He seems great tho; very curious and inquisitive and tries to climb everything. He doesnt seem nervous or shy which is why I have been taking him out so often. Should I just leave him completely alone for a week?

As far as it being "that time of year", that was something my girlfriend had asked me. Since it is winter here and, as I understand it, mating season, that he may just not be in the mood to eat.

[BPGator]

My Dumerils was about 3 months when I bought him and I let him go 4 weeks before I got nervous and gave him a live mouse. He looked fine and could have gone longer, but I too was worried because he was young. However, that was 4 months ago and I'm still trying to convert him back to F/t.

I'm not sure what a typical weight is for an 8 month old Hog Island Boa, but how he looks is probably a better indicator of health than his weight.

I'd reduce handling just to take out that variable.

Although many snakes fast in the winter, it's not typical for juveniles to fast. I'd expect your guy has an appetite and wants to eat.

If you want to post pics of your snake, we'd love to see him:

https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...-Post-Pictures


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[OverweightSalamander]

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[OverweightSalamander]

I know you can't see it, but there is a UTH under the tub there, and the light on top is just to raise the ambient air temp as my apartment can get a bit chilly.