my babies are both not eating...

[1stprincess]

I have a MD around 17mths. Have had her since nov 09. she refused her feed yesterday.. temps are at 30 - 33 hot end, and 26 - 29 cool end. im not sure wether shes due for a shed.. also have a baby spottie, around 6 mths who also refused feed yesterday.. her temps are around 30 at hot end and 26- 28 cool end. she has been hiding for two weeks now.. and neber comes out, unless i get her out. do snakes go into natural hibernation? i was under the impression you had to drop the temps for this... how long is too long for them to go without a feed??? ive never had a problem with the MD, although the spotted has taken some encouragement to eat.. any advice would be greatly appreciated.. thanks in advance..

 

[andyh]

stimmies will often go off their feed this time of year regardless of what youdo with the temps,
mine go off for a good couple of months every year so as long as they`re not losing any condition I wouldnt worry too much.

 

[andyh]

sorry, shouldve said anteresia instead of stimmy!!

 

[Python_Player]

my coastal hadn't eaten for 6weeks, but finally fed tonight. a few people will tell you its the weather, they will lose their appetite as it gets colder which is normal. if they are in hiding and wont come out it sounds like they might be ready for a shed and you shouldn't be taking them out, are they looking dull or milky eyed?
Also just a question, read ur post in the other thread and it said ur feeding ur MD pinkie mice, surely it can be fed larger than that as my 6month coastal is on weaners...or did u mean pinkie rats?

 

[1stprincess]

Nah, sorry if i wrote that one wrong. The MD is on weaner mice, and the spottie is on pinky mice. actually the spottie is looking a bit dull in colour, but no change in the MD.. thanks for your advice.. so its ok, i was worried about them not eating..

 

[Python_Player]

oh right no worries. well spotted could very well be shedding. when my coastal shed i didnt even notice his skin dull and he was hiding for 2+ weeks and eventually one night at 2am i caught him mid shed. they can go a fair while without feeding, 3+ months (someone correct me if im wrong). if they look and feel healthy i wouldn't be worried. but having trouble feeding my coastal i know how you feel!

 

[andyh]

one of my stimmies goes for months every year without a feed, last year it was 8 months, she didnt lose any condition at all and when she was ready she started again.
I also know of a woma that belongs to a mate that only ever eats once a year and still produces very large clutches of eggs, the last one being 38.

 

[wranga]

one of my stimmies goes for months every year without a feed, last year it was 8 months, she didnt lose any condition at all and when she was ready she started again.
I also know of a woma that belongs to a mate that only ever eats once a year and still produces very large clutches of eggs, the last one being 38.

38 eggs from a woma?

 

[1stprincess]

thanks. you have put my mind at ease... i recon i worry more about these snakes than i did with my human babies .lol.. we are going away in 6 weeks for 9 days and was going to get a friend to mind them, as i was worried about the baby not being handled, i might just leave them home.. we have a housesitter coming to look after the dog and the cat, but she doesnt do snakes.. after reading info on other posts i might just aswell leave them home... after all they are pretty self sufficient.. thanks for your advice.. its great to hear and learn from other peoples experiences..

 

[andyh]

yes, it is a rather large south aussie one though

 

[1stprincess]

so, both the MD and the spottie refused feeds yesterday.. It had been 8 days since their last feeds.. How long should i wait untill i offer food again????

 

[andyh]

I would just wait until their next feed is due.

 

[Python_Player]

Just ensure they have plenty of fresh water, i was away for 7 days, topped it up before i left and had to get a friend to top up the water for me 4 days after... so it wouldnt be a bad idea to get someone to just check on that while ur away

 

[1stprincess]

ok thanks guys..

 

[clubby05]

My spotted went off her food last season and didnt eat for 12weeks even with the temps up and she is doing the same this season. I wouldn't be to concerened if they don't eat over winter if they have been fed well and have eaten ok up until now.
Save your food and try feeding on a fortnightly basis if you want.

 

[dickyknee]

we are going away in 6 weeks for 9 days and was going to get a friend to mind them, as i was worried about the baby not being handled,

You are worried that it wont be handled while your away ??