Spotted Juvi Off his food... :S

[Amby_Purr]

I'm a bit worried about my 4mo Spotted - When I got him home, I waited a week, and let him settle in. He fed really well on 1 pinky mouse.

Friday just gone, I went to feed him again (1wk later) and he didn't want a bar of it. He bit at it a few times, but dropped it, and went to the other side of the enclosure, so I chased him with it a bit, and stroked his sides with it, but he just didn't want it, so I left him.

I tried again last night, but the same thing happened, except now I think he's afraid of it - he arcs up in striking position, and WILL strike at it, but doesn't constrict it, and certainly won't eat it.

Same thing again today.

He is still very feisty, though becoming happier being handled. He curls in his hide, he comes out and wanders around his enclosure, he basks on his heat mat.

I'm really not sure, should I just give him another week and keep trying? could there be something wrong? is it because I'm trying to handle him once a day, and he's freaking out? does the time of day make a difference?

please help!

 

[Nash1990]

HI
I've had the same problem with mine, refused to eat last friday.
Today he has started to shed which is why i dont think he wants food.
Yours may be coming up to a shed aswell, i say give him a week and try again

 

[-Matt-]

Ah the joys of young Antaresia!

Firstly are you heating him 24/7?
You shouldn't really be handling him at all until he is feeding consistently as it can stress him out and therefore he will go off his food. Just leave him for another week and then try again...also if he acts afraid of the food (runs away) don't chase him with it as he will then become scared of the food. If he still doesn't eat in another week there are a few other techniques you can try eg. braining.

 

[Amby_Purr]

Nash - that's a good point, he might be. although his skin doesn't look funny... i thought it was meant to look milky?

mattsnake - yeah, I have his heatmat on 24/7 on a termostat - 28-30 C. - though he has been spending a LARGE part of the day curled on it since he refused feeding.

Yeah, he is a pretty flighty little guy, you may just be right, he could be getting quite stressed. I'm glad you mentioned that about if he is getting afraid of the food - cos i was worried this might be a problem, so you've confirmed that, and I'll be careful.

okay, I'll give him another week of NO handling, and try him again. thanks guys

 

[-Matt-]

mattsnake - yeah, I have his heatmat on 24/7 on a termostat - 28-30 C. - though he has been spending a LARGE part of the day curled on it since he refused feeding.

Crank it up a bit...I like to give my hatchies a hot spot of 33 C. He may be too cold.

 

[Nash1990]

I didn't notice much change when the snake was coming up to shed other then a slight dulling in in colour.

Being to cold would be my second sugestion.

 

[Amby_Purr]

that's a great idea... i'll try that! makes sense then.....

 

[-Matt-]

It is possible to miss when a snake is coming up to shed as they dull down and then can look almost normal again before they actually do slough their skin, but if you are handling everyday you would have noticed the milky eyes and dull skin.

 

[Nash1990]

Hey Amby, any luck with your spotted?

Mine took its food friday though still hasnt copletely shed, may require a bath...