Coastal Python not eating

[andynic07]

I would try the way you have had success in the past as some snakes are different to others. I have a snake that does not strike but always eats. Also 29 still seems a bit low, usually around 33 at the hot end. I also only usually heat during the day for my diamond and coastal once over 12 months but I live in Brisbane so not very cold compared with other places.

 

[bundyboar78]

so any ideas on getting that temp up , i have heat pad at hot end and the heat lamp at heat end i have only had success feeding him the once and that was putting the rat in there when we got up in morning it was gone . he hasnt eaten anything since in this enclosure , how long should i defrost the rat for i have only been defrosting for hour and half then running it under warm water then giving it to him maybe it not hot enough or defrosted enough ?

 

[bundyboar78]

im only using a heat lamp low heat source for heating , it is a screw in bulb should i use different bulb altogether ?

 

[andynic07]

so any ideas on getting that temp up , i have heat pad at hot end and the heat lamp at heat end i have only had success feeding him the once and that was putting the rat in there when we got up in morning it was gone . he hasnt eaten anything since in this enclosure , how long should i defrost the rat for i have only been defrosting for hour and half then running it under warm water then giving it to him maybe it not hot enough or defrosted enough ?

I usually defrost my rats in the fridge all day the heat in tap water as you do, you only need to mimic the body heat of the rat and not cook it. As for cage heat what is your enclosure, if it is glass you will be losing heat through it and you could insulate the back and sides with foam or increase your wattage a bit

 

[bundyboar78]

yes it is a glass reptile one small tank both sides have mostly ventilation front and back are glass

 

[bundyboar78]

how do i attach a photo i thouoght i had put a pic up on this page it only says attachment but want to upload another wont let me

 

[andynic07]

You can do it through the go advanced tab at the bottom then manage attachments but not sure if this works on a phone. I would insulate the back and sides or at the very least the back and give your snake a basking spot close to the heat source with a hide.

 

[Firepac]

how do i attach a photo i thouoght i had put a pic up on this page it only says attachment but want to upload another wont let me

http://www.aussiepythons.com/forum/noteworthy-threads-5397/add-pictures-posts-199058/

 

[bundyboar78]

is it true that night time temps can drop 6 degrees as they regulate there body temps after being warm all day thats if they have had enough heat during the day . so is it not necessary to have a light on during the night and can just use the heat pad . my hot spot is looking at about the 29deg and 25 cool end . at night my snake seems to like his cool end more than heat , as he sleeps all day under his hide in his hot spot he doesnt seem to like day light as soon as he knows i have pulled blinds about 5.30pm and it getting dark he comes out .

 

[andynic07]

Most snakes are nocturnal and will hunt at night. Your hot spot seems a bit low still and as I said my snakes do not get night time heating meaning no light , CHE. heat mat or cord.

 

[bundyboar78]

still no luck he didnt eat again last night grrrrr, next week will take him out of enclosure and feed him in container. i seem to be in between the right temp for heat 28-32 i could try and get it up a bit by changing bulb i guess .... he obviously not hungry

 

[sara_sabian]

If he's not feeding in the enclosure I doubt you'll have much more luck outside of it. I could be wrong though.

Personally I'd try to bump that warm end to 35.

Also I'm not sure if anyone has suggested it (and my head hurts too much atm to read the whole thread) but if you're trying rats I'd try him on defrosted quail or mice. Once you've got him feeding consistently you can scent the rat with mouse/quail, the key is just to get him eating again.

Edit:
Just skimmed through the thread so I may have missed bits but I'd suggest covering the sides of your enclosure, just blu tak on some sheets of dark paper, he'll feel more secure.

From the photo of his enclosure I think you need to give him some more perching options. Aboreals often hang off a branch at night in the ambush position where they'll strike down at their prey.

How are you defrosting the rodent? Some pythons don't like wet food items, likely because the water dilutes the smell of rodent. Try defrosting in a freezer bag.

Good luck

 

[bundyboar78]

yer might try mice next time , even tho he has been on fuzzies for quiete a while. i have spoken to alot of people and even pet shops and they take there snakes out of enclosure to feed. so what sort of bulb do people recommend at his warm end at the moment im using a 50w heat night lamp doesnt throw off light just heat .

 

[bundyboar78]

when is the best time for feeding night or day my boy hides all day so dont think day time will be suitable for him

 

[sara_sabian]

The reason some people suggest feeding in a tub is to alter the behaviour of cage defensive snakes, I think it's rubbish but some people swear by it.

Cage defensive behaviour isn't the main priority for this guy at the moment and I think that disturbing him to take him out and feed him is only going to put him off his meal more. Not trying to be pushy, it's your choice but it's something to consider.

 

[Ramsayi]

Check the min/max temps around 7am as this is the coldest part of the day.My bet is that your minimum temps overnight are too low.Even if your warm side temps are ok if the cool side temps drop to low it is enough for them to go off their food.