ball wont eat

[rabernet]

You're so good at this Robin!

I just know what has worked for countless others before me, and what's been successful for me. If someone's not eating - they likely are unhappy with their environment. Find out what's "bugging" them, and they relax and get back to the business of eating!

[Stewart_Reptiles]

try a baby girble they have a stronger cent and have a higher feeding reaction for snakes because thats what they eat in there natural habitat

In addition to what Robin stated offering a different type of prey is not necessary.

In the majority of cases, when a new owner is experiencing with a non-feeding BP, it is husbandry related.

Offering a different type of prey is taking the risk that the animal will imprint on them and will not switch back, which could cause problems.

The first thing to do is to examine the husbandry.

[Igor]

oki will post some pics up very shortly to let you see...but just to brief you...i have two hide spots...one on the cold side, one on the hot side...i use an UTH in the spot oh one of the hiding spots...while the other side ikeep cool...now i use a 50 watt bulb that is infrared to keep it at 30 degrees celcius in the hot zone....

[Igor]

pics are up...in my gallery...hopefully u guys can see em, first time using this forum i dunno if u can actually post pics in here?

[rabernet]

The pictures are too large for us to post as they are larger than 800 pixels wide - or I would post them for you. But - a few ideas.

What you are using to measure temps, unfortunately has a reputation for being horribly inaccurate. While it may seem your temps are correct, they may in fact not be. Go to Walmart, in the hardware section with the indoor/outdoor thermometers and pick up one of these:



The hides look to be a smidge too big for him - but not terribly so, I think that you can still use them.

The main thing right now is make sure you're measuring those temps correctly. Then try to maintain temps of 90-94 on the warm side, 80-84 on the cool side - 24 hours a day.

Where is this enclosure located? In a high or low traffic area? There's still a lot of open space that could be stressing your little buddy out. Try covering three side of the enclosure with construction paper or aquarium background.

Also, I'd recommend filling the enclosure with loosely crumpled newspaper for now to give your little guy a sense of security as he moves through the enclosure - he'll feel something touching him on all side. Then after a week, drop in a LIVE hopper mouse (eyes just opened) and walk away. Check back in 1/2 an hour and it should be gone. If not, have an enclosure to keep it in for another week, or see if you can take it back for credit.

Also, another option is to temporarily house him in something like this. I know new keepers want a "pretty" tank, but your first priority right now is to get him settled and eating consistently for you - you can always move him back to a tank later. Here's how I set up babies.

I use a UTH on a thermostat to heat, no supplemental lighting. This is a 15 quart tub. Smaller is better for babies.









This is the same snake today:

[ALEX B.]

He probably hasn't built up enough acid since the regurge, that's terrible for a snake. I only handle Furio when I put him in his feeding container and 45 minutes after he eats I move him back into his tank. Hopefully he'll start eating for you. Good luck!

Couldnt he also have an aggitated throat, throwing up a mouse, the teeth and claws can really do some damage to the inside of the mouth and throat. No first hand experience, just what i've heard.

[Igor]

ok wow i appreciate the info a lot...now how much is too much crumpled paper? should it be covering much of the ground or just sparasely loose paper?

[starmom]

ok wow i appreciate the info a lot...now how much is too much crumpled paper? should it be covering much of the ground or just sparasely loose paper?

Fill it up so the snake feels totally hidden and safe!

[Igor]

well when he threw up the rat...it was literally like 70% digested, so not much was left of it

[Igor]

another thing...i am going to put construction paper on the aquarium right now...but uhh, i used to change his lights every day/night cycle to a day ligt durin the dya, and infrared during the night...is this the propwer way to do it? or should i just leave the infrared and thats it? cause hes right beside a window which emits a lotof light...