3 months off feed

[Aric]

I didn't make that up, most herpetologists will tell you the same.

How do you know what "most" herpetologists will say, have you personally talked to 50% or more (over 50% being most) of the herpetologists out there in this field. Volunteering at the Zoo with the ninth largest reptile collection out of any AZA accredited zoo in the US, seeing how they feed their wide variety of snakes in their enclosure says alot right there.

Feeding outside of their enclosure in a separate box is ok, feeding inside their enclosure is ok also, there is nothing wrong with either method. There are many ways to keep these animals, it all comes down to what works best for you and whats best for the snake.

[carmich132]

I have tried smaller prey but with the same result. I do feed in the enclosure; I've read far too many debates about what is right and wrong, and I believe you should do whatever works for you and your animals. I'm going to try and feed mice next week and see how that works out. Thanks for your help.

[jason4173]

Feeding outside of their enclosure in a separate box is ok, feeding inside their enclosure is ok also, there is nothing wrong with either method. There are many ways to keep these animals, it all comes down to what works best for you and whats best for the snake.

I have to agree, if it works for the snake that is what is important...the animals first! My BP Velvet, as some of you may recall, went off feed for a little while. She would show interest even strike but not eat. She started to show loss of weight so I asked on here for help. Finally she started eating again but only if I would leave the mouse in the cage with her (F/T of course) overnight. On feeding day I would place the mouse in the cage with my tongs to let her know it was there. She comes out of her hide, sees the mouse and goes back in her hide. I lay the mouse in the cage...come morning they are gone...whatever works.

[waltah!]

I was going to suggest smaller prey, but you said that didnt work. At this point, I agree that a vet visit is in order. As for the whole feeding in the enclosure thing, I feed my bp and my Colombian boa in their enclosures. I have never noticed any changes in aggression. They are both totally fine when I reach into their tubs, and have never struck at me. It's up to the individual owner in the end, but even my previous boa (8+ feet) was never more aggressive than normal when I fed him in his enclosure and he could be pretty intimidating.