Big problem- Childeren's python hatchling won't eat

[Dragon1]

Hello,
I recently purchased a Childeren's python hatchling, who up until that time had appatently eaten really well- Including two pinkie mice, right before I bought him.
But that was more than a month ago and he still hasn't eaten, and I am starting to really worry.
At first I thought it was a problem with the heat pad (which turned out to be fine), than that perhaps he was still settling in- but as I said it's been a month now. He is a very placid snake, has never tried to bite me and has only once struck at a mouse, which he first curled around, as normal, then promptly abandoned. He usualy shows very little interest in food.
His setup is identical in every significant way to the way the previous owner had it.
Does anyone have any advice as to what the problem might be, or how I can get him to eat?
Thanks you, very much.
All replies are greatly appreciated.
Dragon1

 

[frogboy77]

what temp is the enclosure at

 

[Dragon1]

It is half on, half off a heat pad, and the heat pad is at 30-32 degrees c.

 

[animush]

Tell us temps inside, not on the heat pad, as could be very different, and post up a pic of your enclosure if u have one.
Do you know when the last shed was? May also be relevent.

 

[Dragon1]

The enclosure is a plastic click clack style one- 28 cm long, by 15 cm wide, by 5 cm deep. (the snake is only tiny- about 30 cm long from nose to tail) It is half on, half off a heat pad that is around 30- 32 degrees C. He has a hide set on the heat pad end, a small water bowl not. The bottom of the enclosure is covered paper towel.

The last shed was on the 7th of november, snake hatched on the 16 of October.

2010, I mean.

Um, not on the heat pad, hold on (thermometer was on the heat pad, I've moved it to off.)

 

[Scleropages]

If he "struck at a mouse, which he first curled around, as normal, then promptly abandoned".
he should eat.. don;t handle him until he has had a few feeds , when he coils around the mouse , shut the lid and walk away... he should eat if your temps etc are fine.

Some snakes only need some one watching them or moving around to put them off feeding.

 

[Dragon1]

Today it's so incredibly hot, but usualy off it's about 20-25 degrees.

Okay then, I'll kleave him and see how it goes.

*leave

I haven't been handling him, but I do go near him because he's kept in the sam room as my other snakes. (I don't think this is the problem, as his previous owner also kept him in close proximity to other snakes.)

Should I move him into a different room?

I have to go, I'll come back and check later.
Thanks, everyone

 

[hugsta]

Make sure you don't handle him or disturb him at all, leave him alone for a few weeks. Only go near the enclosure when you are checking/cleaning the water or the enclosure. When cleaning the enclosure, put him into another container quickly and leave him there till it is clean and then put him straight back, don't hold on to him while you fiddle around cleaning out the animals home. Don't be afraid to let the hot end get up to 33-34deg C as he can move directly off it. When feeding him, if he takes the mouse, freeze. Don't move a muscle and slowly, very slowly move away, leave the lid off and don't touch anything, just stand and watch motionless. If he drops it repeat the process and he will eventually start to eat. Also make sure your food item is hot enough, put it in a container of ht water from the tap, sometimes the added heat makes them a little aggressive towards food. Some animals are very skittish when first feeding and the slightest of movement or vibration they drop their food. This can happen if the animal has been moved from one environment to another, has been handled to much or fo simply doesn't feel secure in his house. Don't try to feed him every night as this will only add to the stress, allow at least 3 or 4 days in between offerings for him to settle back down. Also consider putting something around the tub if needed, to block his view, this will also make him feel more secure.