Wont eat but strikes?

[slither9192]

Hi, My new female pastel hasnt been eating for the past month. She ate two small rats when I first got her but then after that wouldn't eat again. The temps are 81 ambient and 92 basking temp. Humidity is 62%. She will strike at the rat but only closed mouth strikes so that makes me think she is jus being defensive. Anyone have any idea why she isn't eating or should I try a large mouse or a live mouse?

[elevatethis]

They tend to get freaked out when they are in a new place. Just keep giving her the right temps, secure hides, and a little time, and she'll come around. You might also want to cut back on handling her as well while she settles in and gets used to your routine.

[slither9192]

Well I hadn't handled her for a week and then tryed feeding her yesterday but no luck. Should I try an adult mouse in a week? F\T. Also I am going away for hawaii on the 18 so I would like for her to take at least one meal before then.

[frankykeno]

How big is she Jacob, weightwise? How old? What was the breeder feeding her as far as prey and feeding method before you got her?

[slither9192]

She is about 400g.I am not sure exactly how old but I think anywhere between 5-8 months. He said he was feeding her f\t small rats and she did eat fro me twice f\t small rats.

[slither9192]

Ok. So I tried feeding her a 20g adult mouse today and what do you know she took it immediatly. My dad thinks it was because of the size (it was smaller than the adult mouse) but, I think it was because it was a mouse not a rat. So I guess i will just feed her mice for now on.

[West Coast Jungle]

Are you feeding live or F/T. You usually get a much better respose from live. Some only eat mice or rats. Glad to hear she's eating! How big is her enclosure, the more open the more insecure she will feel and eat less.

[slither9192]

Ya I am only feeding f/t. My next step would have been live but she ate the mouse so. Also she has eaten a f/t rat before, but I think she likes mice better. Her cage is a 65 qt tub, The dimensions are 20 W, 30 L, 9 H. Its a little big for her but I have two hides in their that fit her perfect and lots of crumpled up newspaper.