question for the feeding experts

[lizzynfriends]

Hello all, Iv`e read the posts on feeding schedules, and going off feed but haven`t found any answer to this question yet, since my Balls last feeding (a forced feeding of a small mouse two weeks ago) she has definately shown more activity but how often should I try to feed her? She is very thin still, the mouse didn`t do much for her in that regard. How soon should I give her another F/T mouse? She`s approx 32 inches long and I have no idea of her age (I just hope that this time she`ll take it on her own!)
As an aside, I found a piece of driftwood the other day that has a natural tunnel in it about 5 inches long that I thought would look cool in her tank, she loves it! Hangs out in it rather that her hide and we get to see her all the time!

oorob00, if you read this, your idea of using Glad press and seal is excellent! Really works, thanks for the idea!!

[wolfman38]

I would try to feed her at least once a week to once every 10 days. But if she is as thin as a say she is, you may want to try to feed here once a week until she gets some weight on her. Just to give ya an idea on how big she should be, Zeus is about one year old around 36 - 38 inches long, weighs about 1.8 pounds, and is 7 inches wide at the widest part of his body. As per how to feed her, if you are using f/t feeders thaw it completely by placing it in some luke warm water. Once it is completely thawed wamr the mouse up a little. Some people warm them up with hair dryers and others warm them up by placing the heat lamp over them, but basically you would want to mouse to give of some body heat so that you BP see it with it's heat pits. I am sure that others will come along with better information than what I can give, but I wish you and your BP the best of luck in getting her turned around and healthy again.

[led4urhead]

I must agree with the feeding schedule. I would offer food every 7 days and allow at least 2 days for the food to digest before getting your bp out ( unless cleaning is necessary ).

[lizzynfriends]

Thanks guys, it`s about time then, I just hope that she`ll take it this time, I read here to put her and the mouse in a cereal box, closed up and that should help. I really don`t want to go through the forced feeding again, so wish us luck! She`s right at 32 inches long, 5 inches at her widest, and weighs just under a pound. She isn`t skin and bones but her spine is definately discernable and she doesn`t have that filled out look that she should. Good point, clean before feeding! Thanks again

[led4urhead]

I dont think i've ever heard of someone putting the mouse and the snake in a cereal box. I dont think i would go that far just yet. I would just try in the cage for now, and completely cover the tank with a dark towel and leave the snake in the room alone for a while ( if not overnight ). If she doesnt eat, give her another week and try again. Eventually she'll get the idea

[lizzynfriends]

I`ll gladly take your suggestions and try that, I just worry since she`s not up to par yet and still so thin, so it`ll be fine to wait even another week if she doesn`t eat? I`ll let you know how it turns out, lets hope for the best. Thank you again

[padiente]

Actaully the ceereal box, prviding it has enough room for the movement invloved in eating, is not a bad idea. It is close and dark, just what BP's tend to like. A simlar tactic worked like a charm when I was switching kitty to a new prey item and he refused some meals

[Schlyne]

Was she eating frozen thawed okay for you before? Maybe if she doesn't eat the mouse this week, you should try a pre-killed next week and see if she'll take that.

[Cody]

I don't have anything to add with the feeding part of the topic, but was wondering about the driftwood you found. Did you just find it outside, or was it purchased? If you ever want to use objects you find outside, like wood branches and stuff, it's best if you soak it in a water/bleach solution for a while to kill all the nasty bugs that could infest your tank. Or my favourite method is tossing the wood in an oven, at 300 degrees, for 15 minutes or so. This ensures that all critters are dead, and you don't have to worry about introducing any ticks or other nasty things to your snakes home.