olive not feeding

[chicka]

bought an olive 10 weeks ago as a hatchie . i bought it though on quail scented mice the problem is he hasnt eaten yet ? he always strikes the food but never eats it . he also is very active , always striking me in his cage and always very alert ,so i dont think he is sick ! any ideas? thanks chicka

 

[Renagade]

has it not eaten in 10 weeks? what are his temps? you might need to up them or if that doesnt work, then catch a skink, freeze it to 3 days and scent your mouse with it.

 

[Aslan]

Chicka - He is striking at the food but not eating it for the same reason he is striking at you - stress...

...have you tried feeding him quails by themselves? They are inexpensive and might help you get him going...

 

[chicka]

hey renegade the temp is at 32 i will try that about the skink. thanks

 

[chicka]

simon tryed it live and dead but i think they were maby a touch big thanks for the help though . any other thoughts

 

[chicka]

he is also a good size 80cm at 9 1/2mnths old . photo is just before he shed also wasnt a very good shed either

 

[notechistiger]

That enclosure looks waaaaaay too big. It's stressed because it's scared. Try putting it into a click clack with a heat mat and a hide, leave it for a week with a towel or something of the sort covering the click clack (without even PEAKING at it), then sneak a mouse in when the snake is in its hide.

 

[Aslan]

Chicka - You need to provide a lot more in the way of secure hides, where it can feel safe and calm down somewhat...

 

[Renagade]

well, it's hard to past judgement on the size of the enclosure, but more hides wouldnt go astray.

 

[chicka]

ok thanks no worries ill do that the enclosure is 2x2x2 with a box up the top aswell . when you mean sneak a mouse in should it be live or should i scent a dead one?

 

[Aslan]

Chicka - The enclosure size is fine, just make sure he can access the right temperatures...

I would definately add a HEAP of different hides though, make sure he feels secure in there...

 

[notechistiger]

No, not live. I meant a normal one (unscented) because that would tell you if he's secure enough to eat it without him thinking it's something else. If not, you could try scenting.

 

[chicka]

ok thanks for help . also he is 80cm so what size should i feed him when i get him set up properly and settled in?

 

[Ned_fisch]

ok thanks for help . also he is 80cm so what size should i feed him when i get him set up properly and settled in?

My 8month old jungle is on Adult mice, and my female jungle is on Fuzzy rats, your olive would be able to get down something like that....

 

[caustichumor]

From that picture alone, That python looks to be dehydrated (shedding or not) has it shed before while in your care?

 

[antaresia_boy]

i agree with caustic. give the cage a LIGHT misting every few days to keep humidity up, put a lot more hides and stuff in, and just try to make it look more natural so he fels more secure in there.

Jamie.

 

[chicka]

From that picture alone, That python looks to be dehydrated (shedding or not) has it shed before while in your care?

no it hasnt shed while in my care. also i had to assist him with a wet towel as it took him bout 1 1/2 2 weeks and still hadnt shed properly.chicka