failed... again

[Lauren]

hey everyone...i thought i would just let you know that caramel passed up yet another meal... she has been in her own set up now for a week and a half and hasnt had a shot since last wednesday... internal parasites and temps arent the issue (i'm pretty sure... since she was de-wormed and has the appropriate temp gradient)... i might have to take her to a vet again soon because her weight is dropping (she was last forcefed a little over 3 weeks ago)... when i talked to him on the phone he said "assuming there is nothing i didn't see before, i'll most likely just tell you how to force-feed and hope that she starts on her own soon... i dont like having to say this but not all of these little guys are destined to make it"... i got a little sad... but he's a great vet and just keeping me prepared i guess... all the herp guys in town swear by him... so i'm sure he wont give up on her that easy and im definitely not ready to give up (i dont think i ever will be).

it's hard to know what to do because i know she needs to get used to being in her new environment but she is losing weight so i cant avoid contact...which just further stresses her out... not to mention the only reference i have is butterscotch who is a killing machine.

anywayyyy... hopefully caramel will come around.

[cueball]

Sounds like you really care!

Fingers crossed

[JLC]

So how much does she weigh now? I would say that less than a week after her last shot is too soon to attempt to feed anyhow, no matter how anxious you are to get her eating. And she hasn't been in her new home all that long, either. Give her a full week from today of not messing with her at all. Don't weigh her or anything. Keep her as quiet and unruffled as possible. Then try a small, live prey item...something too young to bite...that you can place with her and leave her alone without fear.

[rabernet]

Keep her as quiet and unruffled as possible. Then try a small, live prey item...something too young to bite...that you can place with her and leave her alone without fear.

Might I also suggest that during this week you fill her enclosure with loosely balled newspaper. That will give her an added sense of security.

Next week, drop in a live hopper mouse and walk away. Don't worry, the hopper is too small to hurt her. Check back in about a 1/2 and hour and the hopper will most likely be missing.

Adam suggested this to me right after I first got Kashmire and he had to be treated for internal parasites and I couldn't get him to eat. Worked like a charm!

Then slowly "wean" her off the paper, taking out a piece or two every few days.

Good luck!