Feeding issue

[mikeksif]

Hi all, I'm a new member and new to Corns, I have a Python as well. I recently acquired a corn from a fellow who had raised her since she was very small, He fed her dead frozen as we are in a northern community in Canada and fresh is not available to us unless we raise our own. He fed her live for about two months of her life just before I took over, it's feeding time now and I (having no live food) switched he back to Rat Pups Frozen and thawed to room temp warmed a bit. She is not even a bit interested but seems stimulated by the scent and is acting hungry. Should I just keep offering and eventually she will eat? it's been about 13 days since her Last feeding. Oh and also He fed mice I've switched her to rat pups for nutrition. I just thought since it had been a short time of live feed I'd be okay? Suggestions. Thanks, K

 

[Nythain]

I wouldn't offer too often. You don't say her age, but going without food for a bit usually isn't a big deal. You could consider a few tricks, braining, scenting, zombie dance, etc. Could also consider leaving her alone with it for a little bit/overnight and see if she figures it out on her own.

You also didn't mention how long you have had her. If you recently acquired, then she could be slightly stressed still from the move and new environment. Some snakes will eat immediately upon arrival if they're hungry enough, others won't think about it for at least 5-10 days. So that's something to consider if it applies.

Also, are you sure she is a she. Males will usually go off feed for mating season if they're of breeding age. Females will too sometimes, but not as frequently or severe usually as males. So even if she is a she, it could just be a temporary mating season situation. Another possibility is a shed soon. As you see, there are numerous reasons she might not want to eat, besides just the switch to live and back.

Personally, I'd keep an eye on her coloration, and if she doesn't seem to be in the shedding process then I would try again in about a week. I'd probably brain it and jiggle it a bit and try an elicit a strike response. If she seemed interested but not aggressive then I'd just leave her alone with it for a while and see if she took it. If not then I'd repeat in another week or two.

 

[chris68]

It could be the smell of the rat, something it's not used to, is putting it off. Also rat pups are higher in fat content than adult mice, and there is no nutritional value in feeding an item higher in fat content. I'd go back to f/t mice

 

[Nythain]

I agree with chris... An adult mouse vs rat pup (approximate same sized variations), the adult mouse wins out in overall nutrition and less fat. The only real reason to switch to rat, as far as I'm concerned, would be the case of larger snake species and other large reptiles that require more sustenance than 1-2 large adult mice. With the advent of the internet, almost anyone anywhere can get f/t feeders from reputable online sources if their local stores don't carry what they need.

 

[mikeksif]

Re: feeding

Thanks for the response, I was under the impression there was more digestible protein in Rats vs Mice. Will relax and give her time. She is nearly 3 Ive had her for only 2 weeks. Will try all suggestions. Pretty sure she is female 5 feet almost. PS Tried leaving her over extended period and the 'zombie dance too. I've tried only twice in three days will leave her for a week or so. (not sheading or at least not showing signs yet) I'll pick up some mice too. K

 

[ZiggysMom]

Mikeksif, please let us know how things go when you do try again.

 

[mikeksif]

Ziggysmom and all who helped out - I will be sure to let you know how this feeding hiccup works out for Emily and I - thanks again.