Beep won't eat...

[hmba2211]

So I bought a hopper for my bp Vega Monday evening, it's now Thursday morning. She still hasn't eaten it and the rat is making itself at home. Luckily she has many hides so she's good. When I gave it to her Monday, she cleared her whole body out like she was making room to eat it but still hasn't. Should I take the hopper out and wait a day or so or do you think she'll snag em up when she's actually ready? She can't get bit by this rat, it's teeth are barley there and as I've stated they've been together for a few days. And I've been keeping a close eye on them.

[gusanr14]

You said hopper and rat, so I am assuming it is rat hopper? Like weaned rat? I wouldn’t leave the rat for couple days if snake is not taking it. If it is weaned rat, I think it can potentially harm the snake since it can move around a lot? Usually, rat pups with eyes closed and under are safe to leave overnight. If snake doesn’t eat it, I would just take the rat out and feed it on next schedule.


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[Spink]

I would take the hopper out and try again in 2-3 days. If still not eating, give your BP more time and try again. They can go a long time without eating. As long as temperatures and humidity are at the appropriate range, and the water dish is fresh and full then I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. Sometimes they like to fast for long periods of time. I've heard of multiple cases of fasting lasting over a year.

Also, is she used to eating hoppers? If not then switch back to a familiar food if she is not eating after a few attempts.

[SDA]

Feeder rats are filthy creatures. Never ever leave food for extended periods of time in a snake cage. Either take it out and house it or dispose of it.

[dakski]

What everyone else said about feeder size and trying again after leaving her alone for a bit.

Also, never leave live prey in the tank when you are not watching the whole time. Very dangerous from both injury perspective as well hygiene.

If a snake doesn't take live quickly, it likely won't eat it.

If you want to leave for extended periods, switch to F/T. Even then, never leave for more than 12 hours (they start to decompose and smell - not because they can hurt the snake).

[Craiga 01453]

You definitely don't want to leave any prey item in the snake's enclosure for any extended periods of time.

Take the hopper out and like SDA said either house it or toss it.

And are you sure it's a rat and not a hopper mouse? Big difference.

Lastly, what was the snake eating before you brought it home?