Few Q's about feeding and hiding!

[Elnitab]

Hey guys! I'm a new corn snake owner. We had recieved her (I think its a female) about a month ago. She was my xmas present. :bird: But ever since we got her, she hides alot, which I am aware thats normal. Under her hides, and substrate. I was just wondering if its ok to lift up her hides to pick her up. Once I do that and get her in my hands, shes fine. Seems like she likes to hang out. I just don't wanna stress her out. I was just wondering how exaclty I can go about getting her to hang out without upsetting her. Another question is that she ate the first two weeks she was here.. but its been two weeks today she has not. I dangle the pinkie around for a while or even leave it there. I've even taken her out into another tank but she still wont eat. :uhoh: Any suggestions?


Heres a few things about my pet snake (who still doesnt have a name...:/)
We bought her over the internet. I left her alone to not stress her out for over a week. She has two hides a water bowl and branch. Warm side is about high 70's. I feed her frozen mice. And shes about 14-16 inches long. Bloodred Beaut. So yeah. Thanks for any help!

 

[snaky_05]

well im not a snake expert..but are the mice actually frozen or thawed when u feed her??

 

[StormRose]

Try scenting the frozen/thawed pinkie by braining it (sticking a pin in the head to and getting out a few drops of blood), or by dipping it in tuna juice. Another method to try with a reluctant feeder is to place the thawed pinkie in a deli cup (with air holes) along with the snake and leaving the cup covered for awhile. Some snakes, especially young ones, like to eat in private so they feel less vulnerable.

These little ones can go awhile without food, so try not to worry, and wait 2-3 days between each feeding attempt so that you don't stress her out too much.

Good luck!

 

[tylercole2294]

i think the warm side is supposed to be in the mid-high 80's. Anywhere from 90+ is too hot but warm side should be from 84-88. The cool side should be anywhere from 72-80 degrees. Hope that helps!

 

[measley]

Hi and Welcome to the site-

Tyler is right about checking the temps- I keep mine at mid 70's on the cool side and mid 80's on the warm side.

The temp flux could be the reason she is not eating so it would be a good idea to adjust the temps before trying to feed again. (this could also be the reason she's burrowing)

Also, it is usually recommended that you leave her alone for about 5-7 days when you first receive her but as you've already had her for 2+ weeks, don't worry about that anymore...

Give her about 3-4 days between trying to feed her again so you don't stress her out too much and she doesn't associate feeding with stress.

After 4 days, make sure the pinky is completely thawed out (check by squeezing lightly on the neck) and then warm it up (don't cook it!) make sure it is warm but not too too hot.

Good luck!

 

[Nanci]

This is how I feed snakes. If it's a baby, I put the snake in the deli cup she came in, or a small container like a margarine container, with tiny holes in it. Put a hot pinky in the container, put the snake in. If the snake takes the pink in a minute or so- just let it eat. If the snake is more worried about finding a way out, cover the container and leave it alone for an hour without peeking. If the snake hasn't eaten in an hour, reheat the pink, put it back in the container, put the closed container back in the viv and leave it overnight.

Your snake may be going blue. Many snakes refuse to eat when they are in that state.

I have a baby I bought in November. I've seen him out once. It's ok to go looking for your baby and remove her from her hide if you want to handle her.