Problem Feeder

[snakewrangler]

I'm having trouble convincing my youngest snake to eat. I purchased a Dumeril's Boa in November at the NARBC show. She is active, healthy, and has a good grip.

She is housed in a Rubbermaid rack with lots of aspen bedding and a water dish. Hot side is 90-92 during the day, cool side hovers around 80.

So far I have tried live, pre-killed, and thawed rodents. I have tried rat pinks, mouse pinks, and mouse fuzzies. I've washed the rodent with soap, I've scented the rodents with tuna, I've even left them overnight in the tub. Nada. Nothing. No results.

The snake seems fine to me. I realize that it is January, which in DC is the coldest month next to February, and none of my snakes (except Burms) have eaten in three months. The majority of my snakes (I have 20) do not eat in the wintertime, but this is especially concerning to me because the snake is so young.

Ideas?

[MATT FISHER REPTILES]

you answered your own question. boom she is dormant. i would just try to feed a live every 7 until she eats. i dont even start to worry till 6 months go by.

[snakewrangler]

You're probably right, its just that I'm extra worrisome because of her age.

[Rcar77]

Dumeril's Boa are pretty shy. Mine will not eat in front of me. What i do is put a live mouse in her cage and than cover her up and i check on her in about five min. or so. once in a while she will eat f/t.

[JimiSnakes]

Dumeril's Boa are pretty shy. Mine will not eat in front of me. What i do is put a live mouse in her cage and than cover her up and i check on her in about five min. or so. once in a while she will eat f/t.

This is correct. Dumerils can be very timid eaters. Most of the babies I've had through here won't eat unless it's dark and they are left alone for awhile. I have adults that are the same way. Unless your dumeril is loosing weight and/or looking skinny, I wouldn't worry about it. However, it never hurts to have a fecal done on any new snakes. It always at the very least gives piece of mind.

[snakewrangler]

I feel like she is looking skinnier than when I got her. Perhaps I can bring in a fecal sample if I can get her to drop one.