Feeding query

[jakebaker696]

Hi all,

Just a quick question, and I know this is a big topic (I have looked before anyone asks!),but my Childrens Python is acting quite strangely with regard to feeding. When I got it, it was a reasonable feeder, every couple of weeks on average. She went off feeding for a month or so then, but resumed again with no real fuss. When she resumed, she took four fuzzie mice in the space of about 8 days, so I was relieved. Since that, she hasn't eaten at all, that was about 10 weeks ago.

Now, I know they can go a while without food (as I've found in looking through other posts), and I'm not especially worried, but I'm wondering at what point do you begin to worry? She seems to check the mouse out, but it's as if she decides she doesn't want it just before she bites. Tried braining them too, with no joy. The snake is less than a year old, it isn't winter, and her temps are good, so I'm confused as to what the issue is.

 

[Leasdraco]

Sounds just like my MD. Great feeder,stopped over winter months, ever since had been difficult. he would look at offered food, then go hide in the corner. Apparently all he was waiting for was a nice hot (35) day and took food no trouble. now back to normal.

 

[jakebaker696]

Ok so it's now been 14 weeks since she ate, getting slightly worried although she looks fine, just still on the slim side. I've had a few hot days, played with the temps a bit, also covered the tank & left her alone for a week, but no joy. I can't put my finger on what I must be doing wrong, I've looked through many threads and there's nothing there that I can see I need to change. 14 weeks seems like a long time, especially for summer.

 

[reb01]

There could be numerous reasons why..have you tryed late at night/different size food items also can a difference/leave alone for a few days without disturbing and offer a warm fuzzy-weaner mouse/alot of things you can scent the food item which may help..IMO theres no need to panic just yet,they can go months without food...When you try again and if it doesnt take it-leave alone again for 5-7days and try again..little disturbance as possible,except to clean-change water etc..Considering it ate 4 last time maybe its not as hungry as you think..

 

[stimigex]

Ok so it's now been 14 weeks since she ate, getting slightly worried although she looks fine, just still on the slim side. I've had a few hot days, played with the temps a bit, also covered the tank & left her alone for a week, but no joy. I can't put my finger on what I must be doing wrong, I've looked through many threads and there's nothing there that I can see I need to change. 14 weeks seems like a long time, especially for summer.

What temps do you keep the snake at?

 

[jakebaker696]

Usually around 32-34 hot end, 28 ish cool end. I say ish due to time of day etc. I have tried taking the hot end up to 36 as was suggested to me before as a solution, but it didn't make a difference

 

[SarahScales]

I have a GTP who is a complete little poo head when it comes to eating. He went off food for 3+ months after getting him. What I found to be the game changer was scenting with quails. Buy a bag of day old quail (They tend to be the cheapest), take one of the frozen ones and snap its head off, place it all in a ziplock bag with your prey item (mouse, rat) and leave it to defrost. Its pretty gross and you wind up with a smelly, yellow, dripping rat but by jeese do they snakes love it! My GTP feeds weekly now with absolutely no worries, he rarely refuses and only when I try to feed him too soon after his last. You can also feed them the quail body or give it to one of your other snakes as a treat.

 

[Josh_Gratte]

If your snake does not eat within 10 months then a feeding method such as assistive feeding is required. To preform this get a blunt plastic object (I found a credit card works best) and with the uttermost care very gently use it to open the snakes mouth. Then just place the head of the mouse into the snakes mouth and the animal will continue to eat normally without assistance. Hope that helps

 

[Pythoninfinite]

If your snake does not eat within 10 months then a feeding method such as assistive feeding is required. To preform this get a blunt plastic object (I found a credit card works best) and with the uttermost care very gently use it to open the snakes mouth. Then just place the head of the mouse into the snakes mouth and the animal will continue to eat normally without assistance. Hope that helps

Force feeding of small snakes should not be attempted by novices, and should only be used as a last resort in any circumstance. Far too soon to suggest this as an option. Antaresias are patchy feeders at the best of times. The fact that you gave it 4 fuzzy mice in the space of eight days is the probably reason for the lack of interest in food. It's always better to keep your snakes on the hungry side - never feed them so much that they don't want any more. It will eat when it's ready.

Jamie

 

[jakebaker696]

Yeah I'm really not keen on the idea of force feeding, obviously if it gets to the stage where it's necessary then I'll talk to the breeder (a friend & very experienced keeper).

As for the 4 fuzzies, it was over two feeds & I was advised to give her a couple per feed if she'd take them. Seems to have been bad advice. Thanks for the help & opinions guys, will let you know if she eats.

 

[jakebaker696]

Thought I'd have a go at changing a few things, I switched the heat light for a ceramic bulb, defrosted the mouse in a zip lock bag instead of straight in the water, and put a day old quail in there with it to defrost (thanks for the tip Sarah).

She took it after checking it out for a good 20 minutes. Very relieved & have learnt a few new tricks so hopefully it shouldn't be an issue again. Thanks guys