Quote Originally Posted by dakski View Post
A few thoughts.

First, I agree with checking and making sure the prey was eaten. He could be shedding, it could be a weather change, or he could be having an off day. Even Behira refused 1 meal since I've had her. No idea why, but she did.

Secondly, I agree with, in general, not picking up hides and definitely with not turning on lights, etc. If he doesn't come out the he smells food. I would either leave the prey item on the warm side, or near the opening of the hide you know he's in (if you know he's in a hide), without blocking the hide.

Aside from the fact that many snakes will be turned off food by lights coming on all of sudden, and definitely with hides being lifted off, etc. You are taking a big risk buddy. With a little Phantom, not so bad. Try that with a 5FT+ Phantom and get a food response bite and you could be talking stitches. What if he was just sleeping, and he all of sudden smells food and you lift the hide and BAMMM?

Not important enough for him to get a meal in at this point for your to dis-regulate him, or risk getting bit now or certainly at later date when he's bigger. Pretty much any healthy snake can miss a meal easily. If he doesn't want to come out, leave it for a bit. If he doesn't take in a few hours, or overnight at the most. Take it out and toss it.

Offer again in a week.

He will be okay.
I checked this morning and Phantom was still under the same hide and the prey was gone. I made every attempt to shield myself while lifting the hides last night and I understand what you’re saying about the risk doing this with a 5’ plus BOA. I think I was more perplexed then anything since this was the 1st time not witnessing a feeding response. I felt the need to investigate to see if he was ok and worse to see if he was even in the enclosure (I had visions of when my BP went missing for a couple hours …. Thanks again for the response. It’s definitely a learning experience and I’m glad to have this board share knowledge like this.