A dream made real, Mira the Vietnamese blue beauty rat snake

[Snagrio]

After 2 years of waiting and planning, the opportunity presented itself and I acquired my dream snake at last. Say hello to Mira!





Those were the clearest pics I could get, she's blazing fast.

The breeder wasn't Zerkle as I was initially planning (really wasn't looking like he was going to produce any this year), but I chanced upon one from Florida (Vinnies Bees) on MM selling a clutch for a decent price compared to the bloated numbers everyone else is asking. They were extremely communicative and helpful during the process and she arrived safe and healthy so it was a good choice.

[Homebody]

That's alotta snake, or it will be. Congrats.

[EL-Ziggy]

Congratulations Snagrio! I know you’ve had your heart set on a VBB for awhile now. I love to see people achieve their goals! Best wishes with your beautiful new critter.

[Bogertophis]

Woo-Hoo! I'm very happy for you- Welcome to the BP-net family, Mira! Now slow down! hahahaha!

[Armiyana]

Congrats!

I can't wait to see all the updates as she grows

[Snagrio]

I attempted a feeding this morning just to see if she was hungry and, it didn't go well... It must be too soon because she was still nervous and didn't want anything to do with the pinky, coiling and tail "waggling" (rather interesting how it differs from how my corn tail rattles, more of a slow whip than a rapid rattlesnake-imitating buzz). I left it in there just to see if she'd eat it on her own time, but it's untouched. Should I leave it there overnight or try again with a fresh one in a few days/week? This is the first time I've had a genuine refusal so trying to get a feel of what to do here.

[dakski]

First, congrats on your dream snake.

Secondly, I would leave her alone for a few days to a week. Make sure temps are great and just let her be.

Then I'd offer again and yes, you can leave a F/T prey item in over night to see if she eats. I wouldn't leave it longer than overnight though.

I don't know much about these guys and what they eat at that size and how often. I also cannot advise on temps, etc.

Make sure you are offering exactly what the breeder was. If she was on pinkies, offer pinkies, etc.

It sounds to me that she's getting used to her new environment still.

Also, most of my snakes would eat anytime, but all are nocturnal and look for food at night. I'd be offering when she's most likely to eat, which might not be the morning.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Bogertophis]

What he said ^ ^ ^ Most likely just too soon, snake is upset & afraid in totally new surroundings. Time of day can matter too. As stated, feed EXACTLY what the breeder or source did for best results. Agree that overnight is okay, at the most though- they get ripe quickly in warm weather/ & warm indoor temps. Mostly, just slow down- let this settle in.

[Snagrio]

She was on week old mouse pinkies with the breeder, so that's correct. Temps are where they should be (mid 70's with a warm side in the low 80's). I did offer in the morning because from what I've read VBBs are more diurnal so I figured I should offer in daylight hours, but given she's not even a month old and just moved here night time would make much more sense regardless.

Haven't been bothering her otherwise, at most a brief peek or two just to check on her occasionally but I haven't handled her at all.

If she hasn't eaten it by tomorrow morning I'll take it out and give her more time before offering again. I know it's best to take breaks between offering attempts.

[Snagrio]

The pinky was still there. Took it out and offered it to my hens (they'll eat anything). I'll give her several days to a week completely alone, hopefully that will be enough for her to adjust and regain her appetite.

She did eat least 3 times before leaving the breeder so I have confirmation that she's eaten before, but I still worry.